The presidential vacancy is expected to prolong, and information indicates that more than one military and security position will become vacant in the near future. This includes the retirement of the Chief of Staff of the Army, Major General Amin Al-Aram, on December 25, as well as the retirement of the Inspector General of the Ministry of National Defense, Brigadier General Milad Issac, a day earlier on December 24. Following that, in February, the Director General of the Administration, Major General Malik Shams, will also retire. In March, the Director General of General Security, Major General Abbas Ibrahim, will join them. It will be impossible to appoint replacements for those retiring unless a president is elected and a new government is formed; in the meantime, their deputies may temporarily take over their roles.
Minister of Defense Maurice Sleem told "Al-Liwaa" that the appointment of substitutes for these officers is still under discussion and will be presented to the political authority to find the best solutions to fill the vacancies. It is yet to be determined whether replacements can be appointed temporarily or if there will be a proposal submitted by one of the blocs to extend the retirement age for senior officers approved by the parliamentary council. Other options may be considered, similar to previous measures concerning the functioning of the institution and the military council.
On another note, Minister Sleem denied media reports about a deterioration in his relationship with Army Commander General Joseph Aoun. He laughed, stating that if they knew the true nature of their relationship, such insulting and misleading statements would not have surfaced. He emphasized that his relationship with General Aoun is the best possible between a Minister of Defense and an Army Commander, especially since he is a product of the military institution and is familiar with all its workings. There is nearly daily communication between him and General Aoun, with their latest meeting being yesterday to discuss all military institution affairs and address them. Sleem also mentioned that he and the commander had conducted a wide-ranging inspection tour of all military units in Northern Bekaa just a few days ago. He questioned whether, despite all this, the relationship could be considered bad.
When asked if the leakage of such statements had political motives given General Aoun's name being mentioned for the presidency, Minister Sleem responded: “There was talk about ‘political malice controlling our relationship,’ and I do not engage in political malice nor respond to it; rather, I carry out my duty as a minister concerned with the military institution, as it is the shield protecting the country.” He added, “In any case, if General Aoun reaches the presidency, I will not be upset at all."
