Lebanon’s Army Chief vowed on Friday to safeguard the country’s security saying the military will never let “sedition and chaos infiltrate the internal arena.”

“We will never allow security to be shaken, we will never let sedition and chaos find a way into our internal arena, in the hope that political solutions capable of saving the country and preventing its collapse are reached,” said General Joseph Aoun in his Order of the Day marking the 77th Army Day.

The Army Chief said that Lebanese youth should regain their trust in their homeland which is in dire need of their capabilities and potential to rise again.

“Let the dream of rebuilding Lebanon be stronger than the dream of immigration,” he said.

Aoun’s name is being circulated as a presidential candidate to succeed President Michel Aoun whose term ends on October 31.

Addressing the military, Aoun added: “You live in exceptional circumstances, and you, like our people, suffer from the economic crisis that began about three years ago. This crisis, which worsened recently, led to paralysis in most of the state’s sectors and institutions. This produced negative repercussions in various fields. Only the military institution is still cohesive and ready to assume its full responsibilities towards its homeland and its people with determination, will, and conviction.”

“Sacrifice is at the core of our motto,” stressed Aoun, adding that “no matter how harsh the circumstances and intense the challenges, the army will remain a pillar of Lebanon’s structure.”

Citing Israeli threats against Lebanon and other challenges facing the country, Aoun urged the military to “remain ready to face all dangers: the Israeli enemy and its constant threats and ambitions in our natural resources on the one hand, and terrorism that is waiting for the chance to regain its activity on the other hand.

“We should not forget the danger that threatens our society and the future of our youth, which is drugs. The pursuit of its dealers and promoters will remain a priority,” emphasized Aoun.

“Our commitment to formal positions is imperative, especially the maritime border demarcation issue. Our commitment to international resolutions and strengthening cooperation with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon is an absolute necessity…What concerns us, is the cohesion of the institution and its continuity in performing its tasks, as well as the security and stability of Lebanon,” he concluded.