President Aoun Rallies Security Forces: “Unite for the Nation: No More Leniency Toward Corruption
Continued Institutional Tours
As part of his ongoing visits to public institutions, President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, toured the General Directorate of State Security in Ramlet al-Bayda, followed by a visit to the Ministry of National Defense and Army Command. His visit began at the State Security headquarters, where he was welcomed by Director General Major General Edgar Loundos. President Aoun was briefed on the directorate’s operations, current needs, and updates following recent appointments. He emphasized the need to increase personnel due to the growing responsibilities assigned to the agency.
Call to Fight Corruption
In a meeting with senior officers, Aoun stressed that one of the core missions of State Security is to be the eyes and ears of the state within public institutions, helping to fight corruption and prevent bribery. “The Lebanese people are fed up with illegal practices, violations, and extortion,” he said. “It is your responsibility to restore their trust in the state, protect them from abuse, and reject any external pressure.”
Stop at Ministry of Defense
President Aoun then proceeded to the Ministry of Defense in Yarzeh, where he was received by Defense Minister General Michel Mansi and senior military officers. During the meeting, Aoun offered his condolences for the martyrdom of First Lieutenant Fadi Al-Jassem, who died the previous day in an explosion caused by a suspicious object in Wadi Al-Azziyeh, Tyre.
Meeting with Army Leadership
Following that, Aoun joined Minister Mansi at the Army Command headquarters, where they were welcomed by Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal and members of the Military Council. The President met with the full council, acknowledging the weight of the army’s responsibilities during these difficult times.
In his speech, Aoun praised the army’s sacrifices and continued loyalty, noting, “The army has paid, and continues to pay, the price in blood to preserve Lebanon’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.” He called on military leadership to remain united—”one hand and one heart”—because the Lebanese people are relying on them.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to securing the needs of the army and ensuring its active role in Lebanon’s path toward reform and national recovery.
Boosting Accountability Ahead of Budget Deadlines
Minister Jaber expressed the Ministry of Finance’s readiness to financially support the Court of Audit by covering overtime work in order to accelerate the process. The goal is to finalize all audit reports up to 2023 before the end of this year which is an essential step before passing the 2026 state budget.
Joseph Aoun, departed Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport at 2:00 PM today, heading to Doha on an official visit to Qatar. The trip comes in response to an invitation extended by Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. He is accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Youssef Raji. Lebanon’s Ambassador to Qatar, Ms. Farah Berri, will also join the official delegation in Doha. The visit will continue until tomorrow afternoon, Wednesday, and will include a one-on-one meeting between President Aoun and the Emir, as well as expanded talks between the Lebanese and Qatari delegations.
President Joseph Aoun stated in a press interview
He aims for 2025 to be the year when all weapons are exclusively under the control of the state. He emphasized that Lebanon will not replicate the Popular Mobilization Forces model by integrating Hezbollah into the army, nor will the party be allowed to form an independent unit within the military.
Aoun clarified that Hezbollah members can join the army and undergo integration training, similar to what happened after the Lebanese Civil War with members of various political factions. He also affirmed that he and Speaker Nabih Berri are in full agreement on all major issues, particularly the necessity of centralizing weapons under state authority.
He noted that the decision to place all arms under the state has already been made, and what remains now is determining the method of implementation. Aoun believes this should be achieved through direct, bilateral dialogue between the presidency and Hezbollah.
Speaking about his current visit to Qatar, Aoun said it is a gesture of gratitude to Doha and an opportunity to request continued support for the Lebanese Army, as well as investment in key sectors like electricity and oil. He added that he specifically asked the Emir of Qatar to continue assisting Lebanon with oil development and military salaries, to which the Emir responded, “Consider it done.”
