Prime Minister Najib Mikati emphasized that "the army is a cornerstone of national unity and is the focus of attention today, both domestically and abroad." During an unscheduled tour in the South today, he stated, "We came to our beloved South, which today, as always, pays the price for defending the entire territory of the nation against a merciless occupying entity, to affirm Lebanon's respect, as a peace-loving country, for all international legitimacy decisions, and our commitment to implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701." He stressed that "the logic of power against right, which is being followed today, is not sustainable at all times, and a return is needed to the logic of the power of right in accordance with the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights."
The Prime Minister inspected the Western Sector area in South Lebanon today, accompanied by Army Commander General Joseph Aoun, to evaluate the situation there and the tasks being performed by the army in collaboration with UNIFIL forces.
**Southern Litani Sector Command**
The tour began with a visit to the command headquarters of the Southern Litani Sector at "Benwa Barakat Barracks" in Tyre, where they met with Sector Commander Brigadier General Rudolf Haikal and the commanders of the units deployed in the South, and listened to the executed tasks. The Prime Minister expressed his "deep appreciation for the sacrifices of the army in defense of Lebanon, in light of the extraordinary circumstances at the southern borders and the recurring assaults by the Israeli enemy."
**UNIFIL Command**
The Prime Minister and the Army Commander then moved to the headquarters of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in Naqoura, where they met with the UNIFIL Force Commander General Arnaldo Lazaro Sainz, in the presence of senior UNIFIL and army officers. During the meeting, President Mikati confirmed that "Lebanon is committed to international resolutions, foremost among them Resolution 1701," praising "the role of UNIFIL in maintaining stability in the South in full cooperation and coordination with the army."
**Fifth Infantry Brigade**
At the conclusion of the tour, the Prime Minister and the Army Commander visited the headquarters of the Fifth Infantry Brigade in Al-Bayada, where they met with Brigade Commander Brigadier General Edgar Lawand. The Army Commander affirmed that "defending Lebanon is a natural and legitimate duty of the army in the face of dangers threatening it, primarily the Israeli enemy, and that the military institution continues to monitor the developments on the ground and maintains its readiness at the southern borders, while executing various tasks domestically," noting the "solid will of the soldiers and their belief in the sacredness of the mission without hesitation," and appreciating "President Mikati's support for the army and standing by its side." He also emphasized "the necessity of continuing close coordination between the army and UNIFIL within the framework of Resolution 1701."
**Prime Minister's Remarks**
At the end of the tour, the Prime Minister stated: "In this difficult circumstance, we came to the South to salute the army and express our appreciation for its efforts and sacrifices in defense of the homeland, land, and people. There is no slogan that surpasses the army's slogan of 'Honor, Sacrifice, and Loyalty,' except for 'Pride, Dignity, and Honor,' reflecting our pride in what the army has accomplished and is achieving despite the difficult circumstances it is going through."
He told the soldiers: "Our presence here today is an expressive message that you are the foundation in protecting the homeland and defending its dignity, and you have the credit for maintaining the state and its legitimacy and institutions. You are the cornerstone of national unity, and today eyes are drawn to you both domestically and abroad."
He added: "All parties have tried and are trying alternative options that represent a parallel line to inclusive national options, and all parties ultimately return, albeit after a while, to the choice of a unified state for all its citizens." He continued: "I am confident that the army will remain a symbol of national unity, and I salute on this occasion the Army Commander who, through his wise leadership, faces all the difficulties encountered by the army in the field and in the barracks with nobility and skill."
Regarding his visit to UNIFIL's headquarters, he said: "We came today to thank UNIFIL for all its sacrifices and for everything it has given and continues to give for Lebanon. Our visit coincided with the celebration of United Nations Day, and we wish that the UN Charter be applied, as the logic of power against right being followed today is not sustainable at all times, and a return is needed to the logic of the power of right."
Mikati concluded: "We renew our demand for a ceasefire in Palestine and an end to Israeli crimes. We also call for stopping the continuous Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty, and we see today with our own eyes their crimes and oppression, disregarding all international resolutions and charters."
