Suleiman from the South: Lebanon is not a Platform for Launching Rockets

Lebanese President Michel Suleiman said everyone must respect Lebanon and its sovereignty and not to turn it into a platform for launching rockets.
The president stressed that this can no longer be tolerated following the deployment of the Lebanese armed forces and United Nations International Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) that are working on implementing UNSCR 1701.

During an inspection visit to the south of Lebanon on Saturday accompanied by Defense Minister Elias el-Murr and Chief of Armed Forces Gen. Jean Qahwaji, Suleiman said: “Lebanon is an oasis of understanding and not an arena for conflicts and for settling scores.”

“Lebanon continues to support the righteous Palestinian cause, and in particular the Palestinian right of return to their homes, meaning a rejection for settling them in Lebanon,” Suleiman said.

He pointed to continued Israeli violations against Lebanon’s sovereignty, violation of UNSCR 1701 and occupation of Lebanese territories.

“This is an aggression against Lebanese security and stability, it threatens our economy and the livelihood of Lebanese,” Suleiman explained.

He called on Israel to respect its international commitments in implementing international resolutions and law.

The president pointed to the importance of the Lebanese military institution adding it must remain far removed from any political polarizations, stressing that the military must present a transparent image of their institution as should all state institutions do. He stressed that the state reverence must not be shaken in particular at the upcoming spring elections.

Suleiman rejected the saying that the military could easily be divided.

“The army contrary to what was being said in the past cannot be divided. This is the rule today; this has been achieved with the sacrifices made by the military to maintain the country and allow state institutions to function properly,” president said.

UNIFIL Commander Major General Claudio Graziano and other high leading officers received Suleiman at Naqoura. The president placed a wreath at the UNIFIL memorial in south Lebanon.

Major General Graziano briefed the president on the investigations concerning the adduction of two Lebanese farmers by Israeli forces (the farmers were later returned to Lebanon) and the discovery of Katyousha rockets placed close to the Lebanese-Israeli border.

The UNIFIL Commander stated that 5 of the posted rockets were 122- mm caliber and two of 105-mm. Caliber.

From Naqoura Suleiman headed to Qana, he was received by MP Ali Khraeis and a number of municipality heads. He placed a wreath at the Qana memorial.

The president moved to the military barracks at Sour (Tyre) he addressed the military saying: “UNSCR 1701 has not been implemented, there are daily and many Israeli violations by Israel. There is also the Ghajar village that remains occupied. There is not border dispute there, there are the Shebaa farms and that Kfar Shouba hills…Israel must implement its international commitments, the international community is responsible for following up the implementation of these commitments.”

“We also have to pay attention to fighting terrorism. We shall do so with our full will. If we have the will we would conquer terrorism. What is important is that terrorists feel that we are strongly capable, that we are not afraid that we won’t run away,” Suleiman said.