Army commander General Michel Suleiman said that while the conflict in Lebanon is sectarian, the military is not divided, declaring he is against military rule in Lebanon. "Despite all what has happened Â… the soldier from Akkar and the soldier from Hermel carry out one order from one command, and sit together shoulder to shoulder to safeguard the country," Suleiman said in an interview published by the daily An Nahar on Monday.
He was referring to last month's street clashes that pitted activists from Saad Hariri's Al Mustaqbal group against Amal and Hezbollah supporters in Beirut. At least four people were killed and more than 160 wounded. "They (troops) are even more conscientious than many leaders in this country," Suleiman said.
He expressed regret over the sectarian divide "even if it is given a political shape. If the Lebanese do not have the wish to build a unified country, it would be impossible to force them to. The military carries out the wish of the Lebanese, and is the tool that can implement the citizens' choice if they want one, free, independent and sovereign country. My plan is to salvage (both) the country and the army; then the peaceful, democratic presidential elections. After that Â… I will quit the army command."
He said he was against military rule in Lebanon, emphasizing that "Lebanon is unique in its structure and cannot be governed militarily or dictatorially." Asked whether he was considering running for presidential elections, Suleiman said: "I will not do anything against the constitution." |