BEIRUT: The Lebanese Government should consider reinstating Army conscription, MP Walid Jumblatt said Monday, arguing that the move would reinforce the military during times of need.
Jumblatt urged parties to adopt mandatory military service as a means of reinforcing Army reserves. This, the Progressive Socialist party leader said, was necessary in the absence of sufficient financial resources to fund all state expenses, including the cost of volunteers in security institutions.
Previously, conscription in Lebanon meant men were required to enlist in the Army for a one year period.
On May 4, 2005 this period was shortened to a six-month service, and there was a pledge to end conscription within two years.
As of February 10, 2007 mandatory military service no longer existed in Lebanon, meaning the Army is made up entirely of those who volunteered to enlist.
Jumblatt’s concern for the military did not stop at the lack of reserves, the PSP chief also urged all parties to pledge their full support for the institution, after northern MPs voiced their skepticism of the Army's role following clashes last month with militants in Arsal.
Speaking on the international coalition tasked with fighting terrorism in Iraq and Syria, Jumblatt said that “the features of the western and Arab plan to battle what is known as the Islamic State are ambiguous and incomplete.”
The PSP head said that while Lebanon awaits detailed clarifications of the plan, the country still shoulders a large burden in fighting terrorism, which necessitates swift logistic and military support.
The need for further aid however, does not overshadow the importance of previous aid commitments, with the PSP leader asking for updates concerning Saudi Arabia’s pledged Army support.
“Why is there an absence of news about the three billion dollar aid?” he asked.
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