Former Minister Joe Sarkis said that the current situation in Lebanon is dangerous and requires unity in order to face the various plots against the country.

At a dinner for the Lebanese Forces in Kfar Debian on Sunday, Sarkis said that Thursday’s helicopter attack – when a Lebanese military helicopter was shot down by Hezbollah gunmen, killing Captain Samer Hanna – was a very dangerous turn of events, and that they were awaiting the investigation results.

He also said he was surprised to find out that a Lebanese party assassinated Hanna, and attacked the army and the state.

Sarkis welcomed Friday’s appointment of Army Commander General Jean Kahwaji and called on the army to handle its responsibilities, especially since the Lebanese want the institution to restore its role. He added that the army’s duty is not defending itself, but defending the state and the Lebanese.
 
Sarkis said the Lebanese Forces were ready to defend the army, which has moved on to a new phase where it must defend itself. “We rely only on the army and security forces to make security decisions [that take effect on] Lebanese territories.”

-NOW Staff