Events of the 5th day of General Aoun in Australia

The Armed Forces Commander General Joseph Aoun and the accompanying delegation visited Melbourne, the last stop in his Australian tour where he was honored by the Lebanese Diaspora in a massive ceremony organized by the head of the chamber of commerce and industry in Lebanon and Australia attorney Fadi el Zouki, under the patronage of Lebanese consul in Victoria Ziad Itani.

The ceremony was attended by the Lebanese Ambassador and several representatives of sects, parties and Lebanese institutions and associations.

The ceremony began with the Lebanese and Australian national anthems, then a minute of silence for the spirits of martyrs of the Australian and Lebanese armies. The ceremony was presented by journalist Tony Charbel and Bernadette Khoury. Zouki then delivered a speech in which he welcomed the “extraordinary guest of the Diaspora, General Joseph Aoun in Melbourne on his historic visit to Australia”, then confirmed his support to the LAF which is supported by all Lebanese.

Consul Ziad Itani, Fawaz Sankari representing Sydney Bank, former MP Philip Ruddock, the editor in Chief of the Australian Al-Nahar newspaper Anwar Harb and retired Brigadier General Fares Khoury all delivered speeches in which they commended the professionalism and wisdom of General Aoun in commanding the LAF.

Zouki presented the Chamber of Commerce shield to General Aoun while the latter presented commemorative shields to consul Itani, Fadi el Zouki and Brigadier General KHoury. The ladies in the chamber of commerce also presented a certificate to Ms. Neemat Joseph Aoun.

General Joseph Aoun delivered a speech in which he confirmed that security is preserved in Lebanon and called upon the Lebanese expatriates to visit their country and to refrain from believing false rumors, stating that our nation remains the best at the security level despite the aggravating situation, thanks to the efforts of the military institution and other security forces.

General Aoun extended his appreciation to the Lebanese expatriates for their support to the LAF and stated that “our main weapon is the support of the Lebanese during all our confrontation.” and confirmed that the LAF do not forget their martyrs or families.

Moreover, General Aoun stated that Lebanon is the essence of noble heritage and belief, not extremism. It is the nation, not in terms of Geography and History. It is Lebanon of the Cedars, of stance and belief. He then spoke to the expatriates saying: Lebanon will not forget you, let it be an icon in your souls.