Army Chief Calls for Thwarting Plots Targeting Algeria

Chanegriha visits the troops on Saturday. (Defense Ministry)
Chanegriha visits the troops on Saturday. (Defense Ministry)
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Army Chief Calls for Thwarting Plots Targeting Algeria

Chanegriha visits the troops on Saturday. (Defense Ministry)
Chanegriha visits the troops on Saturday. (Defense Ministry)

Chief of Staff of the Algerian army Lieutenant General Said Chanegriha called for thwarting attempts to undermine the country’s territorial and public unity.

He warned of the "chronic fragile security" in the region, as well as the expansion of terrorism in neighboring countries and transnational organized crime.

Chanegriha addressed military officers on Saturday during a visit to a military facility in southern Algeria.

He underlined the importance of unity between the people and army, which allowed Algeria to defeat the scourge of barbaric terrorism, advance and develop.

He pointed to promoters of recent frantic campaigns against Algeria in betrayal of their homeland.

His remarks were a reference to Algerian opposition figures who live abroad and belong to the Rachad movement, which Algeria deems a terrorist group and has issued international arrest warrants against its members.

Many people have been detained charges of belonging to the movement.

The government has also designated the Kabylie separatist group (MAK) as terrorist organization. It is working on deporting its leader, Ferhat Mhenni, from Paris where he is currently residing.

“While Algeria needs to strengthen its national unity and prioritize the national interest, these mercenaries seek to sow discord and division among people and between Algerians and their army,” Chanegriha stressed.

He urged the soldiers to serve their country, preserving its supreme interests and enhance its security, stability and sovereignty to build the new Algeria.



Lebanon President Rejects ‘Seeking Foreign Help’

Aoun meets the Maronite Foundation student delegation. Photo: Lebanese presidency
Aoun meets the Maronite Foundation student delegation. Photo: Lebanese presidency
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Lebanon President Rejects ‘Seeking Foreign Help’

Aoun meets the Maronite Foundation student delegation. Photo: Lebanese presidency
Aoun meets the Maronite Foundation student delegation. Photo: Lebanese presidency

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Wednesday said seeking foreign backing against domestic rivals was “unacceptable” and urged unity to confront regional challenges, while Prime Minister Nawaf Salam pledged to press ahead with rebuilding efforts and ensure the state alone controls weapons.

Aoun, speaking to student delegations from the Maronite Foundation in the World and the Beirut Manarati Association, said his administration was working to restore trust between citizens and the state, as well as with the international community.

“Our aim is to put the state back on the right track, continue the economic reforms we began after winning parliament’s confidence, combat corruption, strengthen judicial independence, reform the banking sector and lift banking secrecy,” Aoun said.

He stressed that “no one is above the law in fighting corruption – all taboos have fallen in this regard, and the decision has been made.”

The president warned that Lebanon’s current regional challenges could only be met with unity. “Seeking foreign help against one another at home is unacceptable and has harmed the nation. We must learn from past experiences,” he said.

Aoun added that several reforms had already been passed, with key issues moving in the right direction. “We will address outstanding files calmly and through dialogue to find appropriate solutions,” he said, urging Lebanese to prioritize national interest above all else and seize the opportunities created by renewed Arab and international confidence in Lebanon.

“Our decision is to go towards a state that stands alone, and we are committed to implementing that decision,” he said.

Separately, PM Salam told the Maronite Foundation delegation that Lebanon was “not where we want it to be” as it faced political challenges, economic hardship and the legacy of years of instability.

“We are determined, government and people, to rebuild. This will only happen through an ambitious reform agenda and ensuring the state alone has the right to possess weapons, a process we have already begun,” he said.

Salam said the government was laying the foundations for a “respected, sovereign state” serving all citizens at home and abroad. Rebuilding, he said, was not limited to infrastructure and institutions but also to restoring trust between the state and its people, and between Lebanese at home and in the diaspora.

He called for the role of the diaspora to be expanded beyond remittance-sending to active participation in Lebanon’s political, economic and cultural life, and in representing its voice internationally.

“Your financial support has been crucial, but you are much more than that,” Salam said. “We want you as active partners in Lebanon’s journey to the future – welcome to your homeland today and always.”