Beirut: Sigrid Kaag, the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, has welcomed the nomination of a new commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and a director-general of the Internal Security Forces (ISF).
“This is an important step in ensuring the continuity and effectiveness of these important state institutions,” Kaag said in an official statement that praised the critical roles played by the LAF and the ISF.
While praising both institutions for preserving the unity of Lebanon under the leaderships of General Jean Qahwaji and Major-General Ibrahim Basbous, Kaag said she was confident that their successors, General Joseph Aoun and Major-General Emad Othman, will continue to maintain the security and stability of the country.
She also conveyed her appreciation to Major General Mohammed Kheir, the outgoing General Secretary of the Higher Defence Council, who is succeeded by Major-General Saadallah Muheiddine Al Hamad.
In what was a carefully written statement, Kaag underlined that “the United Nations look[ed] forward to continuing its collaboration with all the security institutions in Lebanon,” a clear admission that her reliance was not on the political establishment.
A few weeks ago, and in what was a muscle-flexing move by Hezbollah, the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Kaag over a controversial tweet that criticised President Michel Aoun following the latter’s controversial backing of Hezbollah’s ‘right’ to be armed. Kaag stated that UN Security Council Resolution 1701 is “vital for Lebanon’s stability and security” and that it “calls for disarmament of all armed groups”.
