Lebanese Caretaker Defense Minister Stresses to QNA Depth of Fraternal Relations Between Qatar and Lebanon

Beirut, November 09 (QNA) - HE Lebanese Caretaker Minister of National Defense Maurice Sleem stressed the depth of fraternal relations between Lebanon and the State of Qatar, praising the support that the State of Qatar has been providing to Lebanon and its assistance to Lebanon in the difficult circumstances it goes through. In an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), the Defense Minister said that the State of Qatar has always been a pioneer in extending its helping hand to Lebanon and standing by its side at times of crisis, adding that the Lebanese people appreciate and respect the role played by the State of Qatar In this regard, he hailed the medical aid provided by Qatar to Lebanon during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and its generous assistance after the explosion of Beirut port in August 2020, when the State of Qatar set up field hospitals to treat the injured as well as its reconstruction of a large number of schools and universities that were affected by the explosion. He also noted the USD 60 million provided by the State of Qatar in support of the Lebanese army in implementation of the directives of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, stressing the importance of this support, as it falls within the framework of Qatar's interest in Lebanon's stability, helping it confront the economic and financial crisis its faces which was described by the World Bank as one of the worst global crises since the 19th century. The Lebanese Caretaker Minister of National Defense revealed that the Lebanese army is facing difficulties in securing its requirements, in addition to the needs of its personnel, especially concerning their salaries. He pointed out that the value of the army personnel salaries lost more than 95 percent, expressing his thanks and appreciation for Qatar's role in helping the Lebanese army. On the other hand, Minister Maurice Sleem said that the Lebanese army currently consists of 70,000 men and women and that the army, along with other security agencies, is committed to protecting Lebanon and maintaining its security and stability. Sleem ruled out any disruption to the public security in Lebanon during the presidential vacancy, stressing that the current competition among political parties only occurs within democratic frameworks. In his remarks to QNA, HE Lebanese Caretaker Minister of National Defense stressed that the security situation in Lebanon is stable and that the security and military forces play their role in maintaining security. He pointed out that the security and military personnel carry out their role in defending their homeland with responsibility and commitment and that the security and military leaders are aware of their role in maintaining the cohesion of units so that the army institution remains the guarantor of security and stability in Lebanon. He also commended the "brothers and friends" for standing by the Lebanese army institution in these circumstances and extending a helping hand to Lebanon in general and its army and security institutions in particular so that they may continue to play their role. He said that the Lebanese army maintained stability in the south in cooperation with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), despite the continued violations of the Israeli entity of Lebanon's air, land, and sea sovereignty. On the other hand, the Lebanese Caretaker Minister of National Defense said that the maritime border demarcation agreement with the Israeli entity represents a turning point in the hope that Lebanon will become an oil producer and be able to invest its wealth. He added that this agreement came after a unified stance of all parts of the Lebanese state in demand of these rights and insisting on them until they achieved the Lebanese people's will. He said Lebanon achieved what it had previously demanded in an official document more than ten years ago, which specified the borders it would accept as its exclusive economic zone. He explained that the agreement was mediated by the United States and under the auspices of the UN based on line 23, whereby that agreement, Lebanon obtained the right to invest in the entire Qana field. He pointed out that the unity of the Lebanese stance, especially by the three presidencies (Republic, Parliament, and the Government) led to the maritime border demarcation agreement. The Lebanese minister expressed his optimism that the coming period will witness the emergence of Lebanon out of its financial and economic setbacks and revival, given its capabilities and human capital. On the contribution of the maritime border demarcation agreement to the stability of the security situation, the Lebanese Caretaker Minister of National Defense said that Lebanon is committed to maintaining stability unless attacked or threatened, indicating that Beirut will defend its rights with determination and force in the case of any attack. He added that Lebanon has never attacked its neighbors. As long as Lebanon obtains its right and is not subject to any aggression, it will remain committed to maintaining stability, stressing Lebanon's commitment to international treaties and covenants. Minister Maurice expressed his hope that a Lebanese President will be elected at the earliest opportunity and that the presidential vacancy period will not be prolonged, stressing that the president is the head of the state and represents its image. (QNA)