Army Commander General Joseph Aoun, together with Patriarch Beshara Al-Rahi, Minister of Youth and Sports George Kallas, and former Minister Leila Solh Hamadeh, inaugurated several roads: Mar Maroun Monastery (Ras Baalbek - Al-Qaa - Qammoua Hermel), Majed Sabri Hamadeh (Al-Qaa), the suspended – fruit – Ras Baalbek, and Al-Qaa - Samrmer, in the presence of Baalbek-Hermel Governor Bashir Khodr and local figures. This initiative aims to facilitate access for residents to their lands and for military personnel and vehicles.
General Aoun and Patriarch Al-Rahi visited Mar Maroun Monastery and Our Lady Monastery – Ras Baalbek, as well as St. Elias Church - Al-Qaa, where local residents welcomed them. They also visited the Dandesh clan and, accompanied by Minister Solh, inspected the Ras Baalbek health center. At the end of the tour, a celebratory lunch was held in honor of the commander, Patriarch Al-Rahi, Minister Kallas, and Minister Solh, attended by a number of local dignitaries.
Patriarch Al-Rahi emphasized that this occasion embodies the true Lebanese family, which cannot be fragmented but is united by one spirit and one heart, regardless of diverse affiliations. He praised the army's efforts in preserving the homeland and strengthening ties among Lebanese by opening new roads, while some work to close roads and weaken these bonds, hoping that no area in Lebanon remains isolated from its people and other regions.
He stressed the importance of electing a president for the republic in the parliament as soon as possible, based on the president's role as a symbol of national unity. General Aoun, in his speech, affirmed that no area is too distant for the army, as its centers are spread across the entire nation, with soldiers ready to serve their communities wherever they are, based on their responsibility and sacred mission.
He stated, "We decided years ago to pay special attention to this border area, through the establishment of new border centers or the fortification of existing ones, in addition to allocating part of the aid the army receives from local and international friends to create a network of roads connecting these areas. This is essential for residents here, whether for facilitating their movements or accessing their agricultural lands, so they can invest in them, holding onto their land and remaining steadfast in their villages. At the same time, these roads help connect military centers and ease the transfer of our troops to their positions in the outskirts. We will not halt our efforts due to some critics of this aid, as its benefits are more important and have national, social, security, religious, and tourism dimensions."
He added, "We understand the needs of this area and its residents. The army is doing everything it can to assist them and stand by them, but its capabilities are limited. However, it is certain that the army will remain by their side, protecting and defending them. We pledge to our people here and in other Lebanese regions, in the presence of His Beatitude the Patriarch, that the army will stay resilient in facing challenges, committed to its oath to defend its homeland and its people, while remaining distant from the divisive atmospheres that, unfortunately, our country is witnessing."
He expressed hope that Lebanon would regain its sparkle and that institutional work would stabilize to fulfill its national duties effectively, and that calm would be restored from the war waged by the Israeli enemy. He urged the youth of Lebanon to hold onto hope and remain in their homeland, which needs them, noting that the military institution also needs them and looks forward to welcoming them into its ranks. He concluded by thanking everyone who supported the opening of these roads.
Minister Kallas stated that the army is the guardian of the nation's honor, and that the people of Baalbek are proud to stand alongside the military institution, not hesitating to support it in various ways, and offering their finest sons to join its ranks and sacrifice for Lebanon's dignity, sovereignty, and independence, urging Lebanon's youth to volunteer for the army. He highlighted the importance of electing a president before the vacancy turns into a deadly void, aiming to complete constitutional institutions and stabilize the homeland.
Minister Hamadeh indicated in her speech the pride of the Lebanese, particularly the people of Hermel, Ras Baalbek, and Al-Qaa, in the army, which plays a significant role in Lebanon's continuity and resilience against challenges.
On another note, Bishop Edward Daher, Archbishop of Tripoli and the rest of Northern Lebanon for the Greek Catholic Melkites, emphasized the importance of the achievements realized by the army, starting from liberating the northern Bekaa outskirts to the development initiatives, especially the opening of roads, for their contribution to alleviating the burdens of difficult circumstances.
