Haykal visits Menassa in solidarity, says no sectarianism in army
Defense Minister Michel Menassa met Thursday at his office in Yarze with Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal, who led a delegation comprising members of the Military Council and senior officers of the Army Command.
The visit was to thank the defense minister for his "supportive stances towards the military institution and to express appreciation for his positions regarding the martyrs of the army and their families," following the latest dispute between Menassa and PM Nawaf Salam over whether or not the minister had the right to deliver a speech in parliament regarding the general amnesty bill.
Haykal addressed Mansour, saying: "You have not and will not let down the families of the martyrs; you have made us proud and you have made the army proud." He explained that "the goals of the military institution are national, and that it is based on protecting Lebanon and preserving its security and stability," emphasizing that "there is no sectarianism among those who wear the camouflage uniform."
For his part, Menassa affirmed that "the army is the backbone of the state," stressing that "the military institution is steadfast in its position and will not back down from fulfilling its duty or from making sacrifices for the sake of the nation." He added: "God willing, we will remain united, and through our steadfastness, we will achieve much," calling for "strengthening the unity of the military institution and preserving its national role."
He also commended "the efforts of the army's leadership, officers, and soldiers, headed by General Haykal," emphasizing that "the current stage requires greater cohesion and cooperation within the military institution, enabling it to continue performing its national duties and protecting Lebanon."
Menassa expressed earlier on Thursday profound regret to the families of fallen soldiers, saying in a poignant statement that he felt he had failed them after he was prevented from addressing parliament.
Parliament on Wednesday passed a sweeping amnesty law that replaces death sentences with long prison terms, reduces life sentences, and frees some convicted militants and drug dealers. It largely benefits Sunni Islamist prisoners, including firebrand cleric Ahmad al-Assir, by reducing sentences for killing Lebanese troops.
Lebanese lawmaker Waddah Sadek, a Sunni Muslim and supporter of the law, told The Associated Press al-Assir could be released within "between a year and a half and two years."
Free Patriotic Movement and Hezbollah MPs left the parliamentary session on Wednesday after Menassa was not allowed, for a second day in a row, to deliver a speech on the bill.
A heated argument was reported on Tuesday between Salam and Menassa, after the premier reportedly insisted on preventing the minister from delivering his speech.
Menassa’s speech was intended to voice the Lebanese Army's position regarding the general amnesty bill, but Salam reportedly warned Menassa that he was putting the Lebanese Army in confrontation with the Sunni community.
Family members of Lebanese soldiers and servicemen killed or attacked by Islamist militant groups have repeatedly protested against the law, some saying they had hoped to see the perpetrators who killed their family members executed rather than be issued reduced prison sentences.
Source: Naharnet
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