 Lebanon's military intelligence chief has taken what officials called "a one month leave of absence," amid growing demands from the country's political opposition that pro-Syrian security chiefs resign. Brigadier Raymond Azar began his leave yesterday afternoon. A security insider said: "A long-term leave of absence, in military terms, can be perceived as a near-resignation."
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It is understood that Lieutenant General Georges Khoury, head of military intelligence in Mount Lebanon, has been appointed interim chief of military intelligence following Azar's departure. Khoury's promotion comes ahead of two of his more senior colleagues, Lieutenant Generals Ali Jaber and Ali Smeili. Jaber and Smeili, both Shiites, are understood to have been overlooked because the post of military intelligence chief is traditionally granted to a Maronite Christian. Pointedly, Khoury is also understood to be "in good favor" with the opposition, because he enjoys the trust of Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Butros Sfeir. |