The Grand Mufti of the Lebanese Republic, Sheikh Abdul Latif Daryan, regarded the decision of the Parliament to raise the retirement age for the rank of major general and army commander for one year as an extension for Army Commander General Joseph Aoun and the Director General of Internal Security Forces Major General Imad Osman, as well as the heads of other security agencies. He stated that this stems from the demands of the Lebanese people, represented by their deputies, to avoid a vacuum in the military institution, emphasizing their commitment to preserving national interest, especially since the army—its leadership, officers, and members—embodies patriotism, loyalty, and sacrifice.
Daryan extended his appreciation and respect to the Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri and the members of the parliamentary council for what he termed a "national achievement," which is a national necessity to avert the dangers threatening the nation, particularly from the Zionist enemy that violates Lebanon's sovereignty.
Daryan confirmed that the efforts and endeavors made by the MPs to sustain the military institution by extending the tenure of Lebanon's security leaders reflect their commitment and urge them to expedite the election of a president during this critical time for Lebanon. He stated, "Military institutions are a national guarantee for preserving free, independent Arab Lebanon."
He urged the MPs to ensure their next steps involve hastening the election of a president to fill the presidential vacancy and resolve the crisis that Lebanon is experiencing, so as not to fall into peril regarding many impending obligations facing the nation.
Daryan also contacted Army Commander General Joseph Aoun to congratulate him and appreciate "the role of the military institution—with its leadership, officers, and personnel—in confronting the Israeli enemy by maintaining the sovereignty of Lebanon's borders against Israeli violations and ensuring the security of all Lebanese across the homeland." He wished Aoun "further success for his well-known national wisdom in facing anyone who attempts to undermine Lebanon's security."
Daryan also made a congratulatory call to Major General Imad Osman, the Director General of Internal Security Forces, for the same purpose, praising the role of the Internal Security Forces in ensuring citizens' safety, and wishing him and the Internal Security Forces success in their major national duties.
