Moqbel to Launch Consultations over Chief of Staff Post

Defense Minister Samir Moqbel is expected to launch consultations after the Eid al-Fitr holidays on the post of the army chief of staff which will be left vacant next month, As Safir daily reported on Friday.

The newspaper said that Moqbel, who is also the deputy prime minister, will inquire several officials, mainly Progressive Socialist Party chief MP Walid Jumblat on what steps to take to fill the post which will be left vacant after the retirement of Maj. Gen. Walid Salman on August 7.

The issue will be discussed by the cabinet early next month either through making a new appointment or extending Salman's term to avoid a vacuum.

The posts of high-ranking military and security officials have lately led to controversy and major disputes between cabinet ministers.

The terms of several officials have been extended in the past months despite the objection of the Free Patriotic Movement which is calling for making new appointments.

FPM chief MP Michel Aoun, who is in a bitter dispute with Prime Minister Tammam Salam over the appointments, wants his son-in-law Commando Regiment chief Brig. Gen. Chamel Roukoz to head the army.

Roukoz's tenure ends in October 2015 while the term of army commander Gen. Jean Qahwaji expires at the end of September.