Tensions between Defense Minister and Army Commander… Qatari Officials Involved

It has been reported that Qatari officials have intervened to help resolve the disagreements between Defense Minister Maurice Slim and Army Commander General Joseph Aoun, but no results have emerged so far, according to "Al-Liwaa." Meanwhile, Chief of Staff Brigadier General Hossam Auda, who was appointed by the caretaker government led by Najib Mikati, has yet to exercise his duties and powers, as he comes to his office merely for decoration due to the Defense Minister's refusal to sign the decision. All attempts to convince the head of the Free Patriotic Movement, MP Gebran Bassil, to refrain from contesting Brigadier General Hossam Auda's appointment as Chief of Staff have been unsuccessful. Efforts have also been made to contact former President General Michel Aoun to resolve the issue, but to no avail. Even the results of the last officers' course have not been released yet due to Minister Slim's refusal to sign off on them, as he objects to the entrance examination results, although the names of the successful candidates have leaked and their families are waiting. Consequently, the situation is contingent on a resolution between Mikati and Bassil, which appears impossible at the moment, according to "Al-Liwaa."