Jean Arnault, Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL), congratulated the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), its Commander and servicemen and servicewomen on the occasion of the eighty-first army day, stressing that the army has earned the pride of the nation and the trust of the international community.
As Lebanon strives to fulfill its national and international obligations, very high expectations fall on the Lebanese army, not least in advancing security and stability across the country, ensuring Lebanese territorial integrity and driving the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 1701 forward.
“It is truly remarkable how the Lebanese army has succeeded in gaining the trust of the Lebanese people across communities and performing its daunting tasks in spite of a challenging operational environment and socio-economic difficulties,” Mr. Arnault stated.
Both the achievements and challenges were showcased during a visit that Mr. Arnault carried out yesterday to the Lebanese army’s third land border regiment in eastern Lebanon, where he met with LAF personnel and toured a border post and watchtower. He reiterated the UN commitment to the mobilization of international support for the LAF.
Reflecting on the positive perception of the LAF shared by the most diverse communities, including during his recent field visits across Lebanon, Mr. Arnault added, “Leadership, empathy and transparency are what people see in their army, and it is an inspiration for efforts to extend state authority throughout the country.”
