The commander of the Lebanese Army, General Jean Kahwaji, called on the Lebanese Armed Forces on Friday to stay loyal to their oath and promise to Lebanon and be aware and disciplined so as to preserve its unity and stability.

"The next phase is critical. Be vigilant as always," he told troops in the Army's Order of The Day.

In a statement celebrating the 14th Liberation and Resistance anniversary, Kahwaji voiced his dissapointment over the failure to elect a president, adding that Lebanon has been through this many times before.

"Today we celebrate a holiday very dear to the heart of every Southerner and Lebanese, regardless of their religion and political affiliations," he said, praising the sacrifices made by martyrs for their country's sake.