President of the Republic Michel Aoun, praised the role played by the Lebanese Army and security institutions in maintaining security, noting that “the obstacles facing the reform processes that were supposed to be accomplished during the past years are continuing and work is being done to overcome it one by one.”

Aoun affirmed that he will work during the last year of his term “to pursue outstanding issues, foremost of which is setting the reform path on the right and permanent track, in order to address the economic file.”

The President of the Republic pointed out that “the economic conditions have negatively affected the military personnel in various sectors, and despite that, the soldiers perform their duties faithfully, and the state must respond to their bids by improving their conditions.”

Army Commander Joseph Aoun said after meeting President Aoun: “We count on your wisdom in approaching difficult issues and getting out of the crisis with minimal losses, and with the presence of the military institution, there is no fear for Lebanon and we will not allow challenges to undermine our steadfastness.”

The Director-General of the Internal Security Forces, Major General Imad Othman, said: “We appeal to you to do everything you can with the government to save the military and security institutions before it is too late so that the basic structure of the Lebanese states remains.”

Director General of Public Security Major General Abbas Ibrahim said: “The tasks we accomplished during your era contributed to protecting Lebanon, and today we affirm our permanent commitment to implementing the law and complying with its provisions without regard to anything but civil peace.”

The Director General of State Security, Major General Tony Saliba said: “We pledge to you that we will not hesitate to play our role as an arm and an eye for you in the face of Lebanon’s enemies and in support of the truth, law and patriotism that you represent despite the harsh conditions we suffer.”