Dabeiba: The military is meant to protect, not terrorize

The Prime Minister of National Unity and Minister of Defence Abdelhamid Dabeiba, attended the commemoration of the 81st anniversary of the founding of the Libyan army, which was attended by Chief of General Staff General Mohamed Al-Haddad, Emirs of the military districts, and a number of ministers from the Government of National Unity.

The Head of Government issued a statement on the occasion, emphasizing that the military could not be connected with anybody in any form, adding that the institution’s duty was to “defend us and maintain Libya’s sovereignty without any political or personal allegiances.”

He went on to say that the army should never point its weaponry towards the people they are supposed to protect, emphasizing that the military’s job is to defend, not terrify.

He said that capitals were valuable, and armies were formed to defend them, not to break into them, terrorize their people, and destroy their property.

He continued to say that the army was created to preserve the peace, and its power must be helpful rather than destructive and combative. No one who utilized war as a political tool or for arrogance and advancement would be successful.

Finally, the Head of Government emphasized that Libya will be a civilian state with a strong army focused at defending the country.

The event was preceded by a military display by Libyan Army units from the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff.