Prime Minister Najib Mikati visits the Headquarters of the South Litani Sector, the Fifthth Infantry Brigade, and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Prime Minister Najib Mikati affirmed, "The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) is the cornerstone of the national structure, and it is the focus of attention today, both domestically and internationally."
During a surprise visit to the South today, he stated, "We have come to our beloved South, which is paying, as always, the price for defending the entire homeland against an invasive entity that knows no mercy. We come here to affirm Lebanon's respect for the country, a nation that loves peace, for all international legitimate decisions, and commitment to implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701."
He emphasized, "The logic of force against justice, currently applied, does not hold at all times. What is required is to return to the logic of the right, in accordance with the UN Charter and the laws of human rights."
Today, the Prime Minister, accompanied by the Commander of the LAF, General Joseph Aoun, inspected the Western Sector in South Lebanon to observe the situation and the tasks undertaken by the LAF in collaboration with the UNIFIL.
South Litani Sector Headquarter
The Southern Litani Sector Command
The tour began with a visit to the headquarters of the Southern Litani Sector at the "Benoit Barakat Barracks" in Tyre. Prime Minister Mikati and General Aoun met with Brigadier General Rodolph Haykal, the sector commander, and the unit commanders deployed in the South. They received a briefing on the executed missions.
Prime Minister Mikati expressed "his deep appreciation for the sacrifices of the LAF in defense of Lebanon, especially given the current exceptional conditions at the southern borders and the repeated aggressions by the Israeli enemy."
UNIFIL Command
Then the Prime Minister and the LAF Commander proceeded to the UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura. There they met with the UNIFIL Commander, General Aroldo Lazaro, in the presence of senior officers from the UNIFIL and the LAF.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Mikati affirmed, "Lebanon is committed to international resolutions, most notably Resolution 1701," and commended "the role of the UNIFIL in maintaining the stability of the south through full cooperation and coordination with the LAF."
Fifth Infantry Brigade
At the end of the tour, the Prime Minister and the LAF Commander visited the headquarters of the Fifth Infantry Brigade in Al Bayyada, where they met with the Brigade’s Commander, Brigadier General Edgard Lawandos.
The LAF Commander
The LAF Commander affirmed that defending Lebanon is a natural and legitimate duty for the LAF to confront the threats it faces, particularly the Israeli enemy. He stated that the military institution is closely monitoring the developments in the region and maintaining readiness at the southern borders while simultaneously carrying out various missions within the country. He emphasized the military's unwavering determination and their steadfast belief in the sanctity of their mission without hesitation. He also expressed appreciation for Prime Minister Mikati's support for the LAF and his standing by its side.
He also highlighted the "importance of continuing close coordination between the LAF and the UNIFIL within the framework of the International Resolution 1701."
The Prime Minister
At the end of the tour, the Prime Minister stated, "In these difficult circumstances, we came to the south to salute the LAF and express our appreciation for their efforts and sacrifices defending our country, land, and people. No other motto rises above their motto “Honor - Sacrifice – Loyalty” only to be surpassed by “Pride – Dignity – Honor” as an expression of our pride in what the LAF has achieved and continues to achieve despite the difficult circumstances facing the military institution."
He addressed the military personnel, saying, "Our presence here today conveys the message that you are the foundation in protecting the homeland, preserving its dignity, and it is to you that the eyes turn, both at home and abroad."
He continued, “All parties have tried and continue to try alternative options that run parallel to the comprehensive national choices. However, eventually, all parties return to the option of a unified state that encompasses all citizens”.
He added, "I am confident that the LAF will remain a symbol of national unity. On this occasion, I salute the LAF Commander, who, with his wise leadership, confronts all the difficulties that beset the LAF in the field and in the barracks, with valor and sagacity"
Regarding his visit to the UNIFIL headquarters, he stated, "Today, we have come to express our gratitude to the UNIFIL for all its sacrifices and for everything it has done and continues to do for Lebanon. Our visit coincides with the United Nations Day, and how we wish that the United Nations Charter would be upheld, for the logic of force against the truth that is currently employed does not hold true at all times. What is required is a return to the principle of the power of righteousness."
He said, “We came to our beloved South, which is paying the price today, as it has always done, in defense of the entire homeland against an occupying entity that knows no mercy. Our aim is to reaffirm that Lebanon, this peace loving country, respects all international legal decisions, and to emphasize commitment to the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which UNIFIL is responsible for enforcing. It seeks to establish security and stability and assist the Lebanese government, represented by the LAF, in asserting state authority up to its international borders."
He continued, "We renew our call for a ceasefire in Palestine and an end to Israeli crimes. We also demand a cessation to the ongoing Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty, as we witness today its brutality and aggression, flagrantly disregarding all international resolutions and treaties."
In conclusion, he stated, "Our choice is peace, and our culture is that of peace based on truth, justice, international law, and United Nations resolutions."
