Lebanon marks 81st anniversary of the establishment of the General Security... Brigadier General Shqair: State working on sustainable ceasefire and full restoration of sovereignty

Beirut – Mansour Shaaban: President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, congratulated the Director General of General Security, Major General Hassan Chkair, as well as the officers, military personnel, and employees, on the 81st anniversary of the establishment of the “General Security” agency. He stated, “This occasion comes as Lebanon is going through a delicate and exceptional phase in its history, characterized by intertwined economic, social, and security challenges, with state institutions facing tests of resilience and preparedness.

Amid these harsh conditions, the General Directorate of General Security has proven to be a safety valve and a fundamental pillar of national stability. Its personnel have continued to carry out their national, logistical, and security duties with high efficiency and unwavering steadfastness in the face of crises.”

He added, “Today, greater reliance is placed on General Security and all other military and security institutions. This is a bet on the survival of the state and the concept of law. General Security is the first line of defense for societal security, the vigilant eye safeguarding national sovereignty, and the mirror reflecting Lebanon’s civilized and institutional face. It aims to protect national security by maintaining readiness to confront security risks and threats, combating terrorism and organized crime in all its forms, and reinforcing the rule of law through the firm and just application of laws, ensuring transparent and disciplined services for all, and preserving internal cohesion by safeguarding citizens’ security and institutional stability, while overcoming livelihood hardships through willpower and a sense of duty.”

President Aoun pointed out that “the current economic and financial crisis affecting General Security military personnel, their counterparts in military and security institutions, and all Lebanese citizens, is being addressed by the government with firm resolve and serious institutional action, alongside the concerted efforts of all parties to restore well-being and build a better tomorrow. I assure the General Security family—leadership, officers, and personnel—that the sacrifices you make are a source of pride for all Lebanese and will not be in vain. May General Security continue to prosper, so that Lebanon and its people may continue to thrive.”

For his part, Director General of General Security Major General Hassan Chkair said, “We are fulfilling our duty during a highly sensitive phase. The war and Israeli aggressions have left deep scars on the South and all of Lebanon, as well as on the economy and society. The issue of Israeli occupation of Lebanese territories and the continuation of aggressions and violations remain at the core of the national challenges facing Lebanon.

In response, the Lebanese state is working to secure a final ceasefire and fully restore its sovereignty through political, diplomatic, and legal means, thereby safeguarding Lebanon’s rights and preventing its land from becoming an open battlefield for conflicts.”

He added, “In this context, the importance of a unified official stance and the complementary work of constitutional authorities, headed by President of the Republic General Joseph Aoun, in coordination and cooperation with Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Dr. Najib Mikati, becomes evident. This collaboration serves the goal of firmly and sustainably securing a ceasefire, ending the occupation, and restoring sovereignty.”

In another address, President of the Republic General Joseph Aoun, speaking before a delegation of the Maronite General Council led by M. Michel Mawji, said, “We are engaged in a struggle against some who reject the logic of the state, while we seek to establish the state.

The government has taken measures that are insufficient within the framework of economic and financial reforms, but they have achieved growth, and we expected it to increase this year.” He continued, “We made the decision to engage in negotiations to avoid the calamities and tragedies caused by war. Although it is not easy or quick, and there are obstacles and difficulties, it remains far better than war.”

“We share the same goals: liberating the south and deploying the army to the borders, recovering prisoners, enabling the return of displaced families, and rebuilding. As it has become clear, these objectives cannot be achieved through war; therefore, negotiation is the only option.” Meanwhile, Lebanon’s Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, received U.S. Ambassador to Beirut Michael Weiss, during which they discussed developments in Lebanon and the region. After his meeting with Mufti Derian, Ambassador Weiss affirmed that “the United States is committed to standing by Lebanon and ensuring its sovereignty.” He added, “We discussed Lebanon’s future and the importance of coexistence,” noting that Washington stands with the Lebanese people and desires a secure and independent Lebanon.