Qahwaji: Army Racing Terrorism, Extending My Term Up to Authorities

Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji emphasized that the army exerts relentless efforts to fight back terrorism as he emphasized that he does not interfere in the decisions of the authorities as for his term extension, As Safir daily reported on Wednesday.

“The army is locked in a close race with terrorism which seeks to target its arena,” Qahwaji told the daily in an interview.

He pointed out that he does not hesitate to carry out pre-emptive strikes against terror cells and groups whenever he gets the opportunity.

Lebanon's army has fought off jihadist groups near the border with Syria and has sought to clamp down on local terror cells operating in various regions.

On the potentials that officials might agree to extend his term before it ends in September, Qahwaji said: “I do not get involved in all the talk around me on whether my term will be extended or not. I am only bound by the decisions of the political authorities whether they decide to extend my term or appoint a new army commander.

“Do not involve me in the game of conflicts which the military institution must be kept away from and let me do my work,” remarked Qahwaji.

Defense Minister Samir Moqbel said laetly that extending the tenure of Qahwaji for another year is possible, while extending the mandate of Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Walid Salman is not.

Moqbel had in August last year postponed the retirement of Qahwaji, Salman and Higher Defense Council chief Maj. Gen. Mohammed Kheir, extending their terms by one year, after the political forces failed to reach an agreement on security and military appointments.

Qahwaji's tenure expires in September while that of Salman will end on August 7.

The army chief's term has been extended twice since 2013 despite political objections, especially from the Free Patriotic Movement, which says it rejects term extensions for any military or security official.