Mikati Heads Ministerial Committee for Funding LA
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati stressed Monday that "the government is determined to provide funding for the plan of arming the Lebanese Army."
"This move forms an attempt to enable the military institution carry out its required national role along the border and in the interior front," Mikati said.
He further clarified that "the government's step reflects a firm conviction that this national institution forms with the other security institutions the guarantee of stability and security as well as the main factor in providing the necessary climates to activate the political life and to promote economic and social justice in the country. "
The premier's remarks came as he chaired a meeting of the Ministerial Committee to support and arm the LA.
"To prepare a draft law to allocate $1.6 billion toward the purchase of military gear and equipment for the LA in the coming five years is the first practical step in translating our moral support to the LA to a practical one," Mikati stressed.
In parallel, he highlighted that "this step comes as another confirmation that there is no alternative to the army within the frame of a strong fair state which derives its capabilities from the united will of its people, the effectiveness of its constitutional institutions and the strength of its army."
"The LA is above the political differences and is at the same distance from all Lebanese as it ensures their protection without discrimination or favoritism," Mikati said and pointed out that " the LA is committed to help the political power, and it is impermissible to drag it into divisions."
For his part, Defense minister Fayez Ghosn revealed that "the Ministerial Committee discussed the draft law during its meeting and agreed to set aside $1.6 billion for the Lebanese Army to be spent gradually over a period of five years."
He said the draft law will be put on the government's agenda following approval of the long-awaited salary scale for public employees.
"Taking this step is very essential and significant because it is the first time that a draft law benefiting Lebanese Army is put forward, and everyone knows what the Lebanese Army urgently needs in order to carry out its basic tasks ... including assisting citizens while preserving the country's interests, unity and sovereignty," Ghosn added.
"The LA is deployed from the north to the south, in the home and in all provinces to help people and to secure the country's interests, unity, and stability," he concluded.
Source: al-Intiqad, Translated and Edited by moqawama.org
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