Prime Minister Najib Mikati during a press conference in Beirut on Dec. 28. (Credit: Dalati and Nohra)
BEIRUT — Prime Minster Najib Mikati vowed Tuesday he would “make every effort to help the army,” as its members’ living conditions continue to deteriorate given the depreciation of the Lebanese lira.
Here’s what we know:
• In a meeting with the commander-in-chief of the army, Joseph Aoun, the prime minister praised the Lebanese army for preserving the country's security, stability and peace “despite the difficult financial and social conditions” that its members have faced alongside with the rest of the population.
• The premier assured support for the army and explained the military is essential to protect Lebanon and its people. He then praised “cooperation between the army and the other security forces” to protect the country.
• Amid the country’s economic collapse, the army has come to rely heavily on regular aid provided by foreign countries, among them the United States, France and Qatar, to feed support its troops and maintain operations.