BEIRUT: Lebanon’s Cabinet named Wednesday a new army commander, ending a two-year political deadlock over the appointment of the country’s top security and military officials.
The Cabinet promoted Brigadier General Joseph Aoun to Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, replacing General Jean Kahwaji, who has held the top military post since 2008.
Kahwaji’s term was twice extended after political forces failed to agree on a successor.
Brigadier General Imad Othman was appointed as director-general of the Internal Security Forces, replacing Ibrahim Basbous while Major General Abbas Ibrahim retained his post as director-general of General Security after being reappointed as a civilian.
Brigadier General Tony Saliba was appointed as director-general of State Security while Brigadier General Assad Tufeili was appointed as head of the Customs Higher Council.
Brigadier General Saadallah Hamad was also named secretary-general of the Higher Defense Council while Feryal Dalloul assumed the post of government commissioner to the Shura Council.
