Shorter Meets Army Commander, Affirms UK's Support for Lebanon's Armed Forces
British ambassador to Lebanon Hugo Shorter affirmed the UK's support for Lebanon's Armed Forces because “it is the only legitimate defender of Lebanon,” the UK Embassy said in a press release on Thursday.
“Only the LAF can act with the consent of all the Lebanese people, and in line with the Constitution and relevant Security Council resolutions. The UK supports the LAF because it is the only legitimate defender of Lebanon,” Shorter was quoted as saying.
Shorter's comments came during a meeting with Army Commander General Joseph Aoun.
The meeting was held in the presence of John Rath representing the American Ambassador, accompanied by the UK and the US Defense attachés Chris Gunning and Daniel Mouton. Discussions touched on the Land Border Security Project, said the statement.
“The UK is a proud partner of the LAF, and we want to help the LAF build on its record of success. In recent months, we have seen the LAF conduct successful and complex counter-terrorism operations, make significant progress on securing Lebanon’s borders with Syria, and protect Lebanese communities and Syrian refugees from the dreadful impacts of the Syrian civil war,” said Shorter.
“As we approach Army Day, we celebrate the fact that this is an army that has transformed itself over the last decade, and which commands not only the respect of the Lebanese, but also of the international community. Today the LAF is capable of exercising control and ensuring security over all Lebanese territory,” added the Ambassador.
Praising the Lebanese army, Shorter added that the “army can over the long term guarantee Lebanon’s stability, its democracy and its model of coexistence. Only the LAF can act with the consent of all the Lebanese people, and in line with the Constitution and relevant Security Council resolutions. The UK supports the LAF because it is the only legitimate defender of Lebanon.
“Part of our discussions today also touched on the importance of human rights and accountability within the LAF, as a key ingredient of operational effectiveness and public respect. I am pleased that the LAF too see respect of human rights as a priority as part of its vision of being a modern, professional armed force.”
Source: Naharnet
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