UN’s Arnaud hails Lebanese army on 81st anniversary, reaffirms international support
Acting United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jean Arnaud congratulated the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), its leadership, officers, and servicemen and women, on the 81st anniversary of Army Day, saying the institution has earned the nation’s pride and the confidence of the international community.
In a statement, Arnaud said Lebanon places significant reliance on the Lebanese Army to fulfill its national and international responsibilities, particularly in strengthening security and stability across the country, safeguarding Lebanon’s territorial integrity, and advancing the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
It is remarkable that the Lebanese Army has succeeded in earning the trust of Lebanese citizens across all affiliations, while continuing to carry out its demanding mission despite difficult working conditions and mounting social and economic challenges, he said.
Arnaud noted that both the army’s achievements and the challenges it faces were evident during his visit on Thursday to the Lebanese Army’s Third Land Border Regiment in eastern Lebanon. During the visit, he met with military personnel, toured a border post, and inspected a surveillance tower.
He reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to mobilizing continued international support for the Lebanese military institution.
Referring to the army’s positive image among the public, which he said he also witnessed during his recent field visits across Lebanon, Arnaud added: What the Lebanese see in their army is a model of leadership, compassion, and transparency, values that inspire efforts to extend the authority of the Lebanese state across its entire territory.
