Prime Minister Najib Mikati confirmed today, Thursday, that "the army is a model for Lebanese youth who have no connection to sectarianism and regionalism, and represents the national fabric in all its diversity; with its presence, there is no fear for the homeland." The Prime Minister visited Beirut Air Base today, attended by Army Commander General Joseph Aoun, and expressed condolences for Captain Pilot Joseph Hanna and First Lieutenant Pilot Richard Saab, who were martyred following a military helicopter crash in the Hamana area. Mikati stated, “Our visit today to the air base is to express our deep sorrow and condolences for the martyrdom of Captain Pilot Joseph Hanna and First Lieutenant Pilot Richard Saab, who were martyred in the military helicopter crash in Hamana. I also wish a swift recovery to First Sergeant Mohammed Saidah.”
He added, “Our army today is undertaking many difficult tasks, and we depend on it. You are the protectors of the homeland, and without you, there is no country and no effective presence of the state. The conspiracies against this nation are great, and we are confused about where they come from; they target the unity, sovereignty, and borders of this homeland. Without the army and its wise leadership, what would have happened to the country?”
Mikati pointed out that "the leader bears a burden today that no human can carry, especially in these difficult circumstances that the country is going through financially and economically. He struggles to keep this army standing on its feet and protecting the sovereignty of the nation. The army represents the fabric of this nation in all its components.”
He continued, “On this occasion, I also reiterate my appreciation for the effort exerted by the army in helping to extinguish the fires in Greece and Cyprus, and I convey to you the greetings of the Prime Minister of Greece, who called me thanking you for your efforts.”
The Prime Minister stated, “Lebanon is today protected by a great force, which is divine care. We ask God to protect our brave army. We are going through very difficult circumstances, amid the vacancy in the presidency, the government only managing daily affairs, the lack of parliamentary sessions, and ongoing political tensions.” He noted that “without the army, no one knows how the country's situation would be. Thankfully, the country is still standing and protected. We must continue to work to build the state because we have no choice but to do so and to do our work properly; this is what we always strive to do.”
He added, “I was not previously acquainted with the army commander, but over the past two years, I have noticed his integrity, professionalism, and constant follow-up on everything concerning the army, both externally and internally. It is true that conspiracies are large from all directions, but with our army, there is no fear for the country. You are the model of Lebanese youth who are not related to sectarianism and regionalism... what you embody in your unity is the model we want for Lebanon.”
For his part, General Aoun thanked the Prime Minister for his condolences and his constant support for the military institution. He said, “We feel sorrow due to the loss of the two martyr officers, but our soldiers are armed with their strong will, faith in Lebanon, and commitment to their mission and institution, and they will continue to perform their duties. Nothing will undermine their determination, and they will preserve the institution, which in turn will safeguard the homeland.”
