BEIRUT: Lebanese Army chief Maj. Gen. Jean Kahwagi said Thursday that the military is committed to remaining neutral in regional conflicts and to protecting the parliamentary elections.

“The Army has always been committed to the Cabinet’s dissociation policy to keep Lebanon away from regional conflicts,” said Kahwagi speaking from his Yarzeh office.

Lebanon has maaintained a dissociation policy regarding the conflict in Syria since the beginning of the crisis.

“The Army was able to impose security stability and control the Lebanese-Syrian border with its small capabilities,” said the official.

Kahwagi added that the Army will carry on its mission in protecting Lebanon and keeping it safe from the repercussion of regional conflicts.

The Army chief also said that the army is committed to protect the parliamentary elections, scheduled to take place in the country in June.

“The Army is committed to protecting the parliamentary elections and the right of citizens to express their opinion, and it works to maintain Lebanon’s unity and sovereignty,” said Kahwagi.

“The army does not belong to any political party or group, and thus no group or political party has any influence over the army’s decisions,” said Kahwagi.