The launching ceremony of the army’s strategy for sustainable energy and water, funded by the European Union
The launching ceremony of the army’s strategy for sustainable energy and water, funded by the European Union and executed in cooperation with the directorate of engineering in the army and “CEDRO” project was held this morning in the central military club – Manara. The ceremony was attended by His Excellency the minister of National Defense Yaacoub Riad el Sarraf, representing the Armed Forces commander General Joseph Aoun and the Chief of Staff Major General P.S.C Hatem Mallak as well as official, diplomatic and military figures.
The minister of National Defense delivered a speech on the occasion in which he expressed his appreciation to the organizers of this project and confirmed that the army that has proven, over years in several critical phases that faced this country, to be a safety keeper and a source of strength, energy and political freedom. The army also includes intellectual and energetic troops that devoted their education in serving the nation and planning futuristic visions that protect the nation and its resources. Mr. Sarraf added: the implementation of this project will lessen several financial burdens from the treasury and will open doors before the youth to find job opportunities that lessen the spreading unemployment and accomplish the limitation of environmental pollution.
Moreover, the minister of Energy and Water Mr. Cezar Abi Khalil and Dr. Joseph el Asmar representing the minister of environment Mr. Tarek el Khatib delivered a speech in which they showcased the reality of energy and environment in Lebanon and the project that are being executed in this field, particularly those related to renewable energy. Mr. Abi Khalil and Dr. Asmar also confirmed their full support to the CEDRO project in the LAF.
Furthermore, General Joseph Aoun delivered a speech in which he commended the efforts of the Directorate of Engineering and the organizers of the CEDRO project with the aim of achieving this accomplishment. General Aoun also showcased the developmental role of the army at the levels of the nation and the institution and added:
“In light of the economic challenges and problems, where need surpasses capability and the harsh reality stands as an obstacle in the face expectations, we have decided in collaboration with CEDRO project to begin working in a recent and vital sector and to start the journey from any point, for it is inacceptable in the time of the revolution of knowledge and technology to be idle bystanders. It is also inacceptable to refrain from investing our energies and expertise and mainly our will and determination to boost the development opportunities in the institution, particularly that the army contains a large fraction of the Lebanese people. Therefore, any developmental activity in the army is considered as an integral part of the comprehensive national development. “
General Aoun ended his speech by vowing that the army will remain “an iron fist that defends the nation, supports the citizens and highly contributes to building a safe and stable community.”
In addition, the representative of the UN General Secretary Ms. Sigrid Kaag and the head of the EU development delegation in Lebanon Ambassador Christina Lassen both delivered speeches in which they confirmed the trust of the United Nations and the European Union in the role of the LAF as well as continuing to offer support to the LAF in different fields.
The manager of the project Dr. Hassan Ali Harajli and Engineer Colonel Youssef Harika also presented a briefing about the project stages and steps that were accomplished until this day.