BEIRUT, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Armed Forces Commander Joseph Aoun urged Lebanese soldiers not to allow political turmoil to prevent them from executing their missions, a statement by the army reported on Thursday.
"Avoid rumors and do not allow the political turmoil to prevent you from executing your mission and affect your spirit," Aoun said during the Order of the Day, one day ahead of Lebanon's 76th Independence Day, which falls on Nov. 22.
Aoun said that the Independence Day is a renewal of an oath that the army takes to completely fulfill its duty by protecting the dignity of the nation.
Aoun's remarks come over a month following the beginning of nationwide protests against the political ruling class which lead in some cases to clashes between the army and protesters.
However, the Lebanese army has been generally praised for respecting the Lebanese people's rights to protest without forcing them to leave the streets or using any weapons to disperse them.
