BEIRUT: Lebanon will on Tuesday ditch its conventional navy parade for 79th Independence Day celebrations because of the continued presidential vacuum within the nation.

Military chiefs stated the choice had been made with the “nationwide curiosity” in thoughts and to take care of “safety and stability.”

Addressing troops on Monday, military commander, Gen. Joseph Aoun, stated: “Our nation goes via distinctive circumstances that require everybody, officers, and residents, to remember, clever, accountable, and cooperate for the sake of the supreme nationwide curiosity whereas ready for the political scenario to be rectified and order to be restored.

“Independence is the fruit of the honorable wrestle waged by the Lebanese, simply as it’s the fruit of the fateful challenges they confronted and overcame with their unity and willpower, resulting in constructing a homeland on strong foundations, so we should protect and shield it.”

He identified that the current maritime border demarcation settlement between Lebanon and Israel had been “an vital step” towards the nation’s restoration and an funding in its pure wealth.

“This achievement wants state establishments to guard and accompany it, for the good thing about the nation and the Lebanese.

“Amid the presidential vacuum and the prevailing political tensions, sustaining safety and stability stays our prime precedence. We won’t enable any violation or destabilization of civil peace for sure aims.

“Our mission was and can stay to protect Lebanon, its folks, and its land,” Aoun added.

The final praised troopers for his or her self-discipline throughout the nation’s ongoing financial disaster. “You might have maintained your morals in coping with all of the occasions and incidents that our nation has skilled. Along with your oath and vigilance, you protected Lebanon and can proceed to guard it till the final drop of blood.”

He stated the military would proceed to coordinate with the UN Interim Pressure in Lebanon to take care of stability within the south.

“The boldness of the Lebanese and the worldwide neighborhood have in you is proof of the significance of your position, so don’t weaken within the face of risks, and don’t tire of campaigns of profiteering and false accusations,” he added.

In February, Aoun warned that troopers have been affected by the identical financial hardships as Lebanese civilians, and he immediately criticized the political management for its lack of ability to handle the scenario.

Arab and different international locations have since donated meals and medical support for Lebanon’s navy personnel.

Additionally addressing the navy, Director Common of Common Safety Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim stated Lebanon had by no means skilled such ranges of sectarianism and regionalism, together with the ruination of state establishments.

“We have to be prepared for what may occur, particularly as we’re accountable earlier than the Lebanese to protect and shield the homeland,” he added.

Ibrahim famous that states weren’t primarily based on particular person ensures, however on constitutional establishments and a dedication to use legal guidelines.

Maj. Gen. Tony Saliba, director basic of State Safety, instructed troops: “Energy vacuum does by no means imply a safety vacuum. Our prime precedence is to guard the nation from the Israeli enemy, terrorism, and corruption.”

Lebanon’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdel Latif Derian urged MPs, “to take an initiative on the event of Independence Day by agreeing to elect a brand new president who has the traits that remind us of the independence leaders who fought and sacrificed for his or her homeland.

“The scenario in Lebanon won’t be corrected besides by electing a president, forming a authorities, and restoring Lebanese-Arab relations, particularly with the international locations of the Gulf Cooperation Council. In any other case, we’re solely losing time.”

In the course of the coronavirus pandemic, and following the Beirut port explosion, Lebanon stopped holding the Nov. 22 Independence Day navy parade on the capital’s waterfront.

In 2021, a symbolic navy parade was held on the military headquarters within the Yarzeh area, within the presence of former President Michel Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

The financial disaster in Lebanon has positioned unprecedented strain on the operational capabilities of the military, leaving troopers with low morale and minimal pay, whereas political tensions have continued to mount, and crime and poverty charges have soared.

Ministers within the caretaker authorities on Monday laid wreaths on the tombs of the independence leaders.

Because the Lebanese flag flew at half-mast over the presidential palace, schoolchildren additionally celebrated Flag Day, which falls the day earlier than Independence Day.