Sleiman: Jihad against army futile

Lebanese President, Michel Sleiman, said on Tuesday that Ahmad Al-Assir's call for "jihad" against the Lebanese Army was futile, affirming that the Army institution has been furnished with political cover to duly respond to such acts. Calls for jihad against the Lebanese Army will neither gain listening ears, the President confirmed. In a statement issued by the Lebanese Presidency, Sleiman voiced a stark warning to the Lebanese citizens, warning them from getting "politically involved at the expense of the Lebanese Army's bloodshed." Moreover, the President profoundly valued the efforts and sacrifices of the Lebanese Army, and hailed the way by which most of the Lebanese rallied around this state institution. He also offered Lebanese Army Commander, Jean Kahwaji, his heartfelt condolences with the loss of Army members.