Lebanese President Joseph Aoun conducted an inspection tour of the General Directorates of the Internal Security Forces (ISF) and General Security (GS) on Thursday.
Accompanied by Minister of the Interior Ahmad Hajjar, Aoun reaffirmed the crucial role of security institutions in maintaining national stability and emphasized the need to safeguard their independence from political and sectarian influence.
Strengthening the Authority of Security Forces
Addressing commanders, officers and personnel, President Aoun underscored the imperative of reinforcing the credibility and authority of security institutions.
“It is forbidden to weaken or undermine our security forces. The people expect you to uphold your duties with integrity and professionalism, free from any political or sectarian interference,” Aoun declared.
He also linked national security to economic recovery, stating, “Security stability is the key to economic revival. We must prove to the people that we are prepared to rebuild the state and seize the opportunities before us.”
Visit to the Internal Security Forces Headquarters
President Aoun’s tour began at the ISF headquarters, where he was welcomed by General Director Raed Abdallah. During a meeting with unit commanders and division heads, he reminded them that leadership is not a privilege but a responsibility to serve the nation.
“You must carry out your duties with pride and discipline, regardless of limited resources. Nothing is impossible when there is determination,” he emphasized.
He further stressed the importance of strict discipline and impartial law enforcement, urging officers to resist external pressures and favoritism.
Minister Hajjar praised the president’s stance, emphasizing that security forces “must meet the people’s expectations, as they deserve our full commitment.” General Abdallah acknowledged the institution’s challenges and expressed hope for solutions to improve working conditions.
Meeting with General Security
The visit continued to the General Security headquarters, where Aoun was received by General Director Hassan Choucair. Addressing department heads, the president reiterated the need for transparency and strict adherence to the law, particularly with elections on the horizon.
“Your duty is to serve Lebanon with honor, sacrifice and loyalty. Security institutions must protect the state, not partisan interests. They must stand as a barrier against any political or sectarian interference,” Aoun stated.
He called for continuous coordination among security branches to enhance operational effectiveness and emphasized Lebanon’s responsibility in maintaining the rule of law.
“The international community is ready to support us, but we must first help ourselves. Reject any external pressure and uphold the rule of law. Lebanon must be a state that protects all its citizens, not a fragmented entity serving conflicting interests,” he asserted.
General Choucair expressed his gratitude for the president’s support and reaffirmed General Security’s commitment to strengthening state institutions and fulfilling its national duties.
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