“The battle against terrorism is still at its beginnings, and in these difficult conditions we ought to empower our political institutions and unite around our military,” Salam said Monday while addressing a ceremony capital Beirut celebrating the 94th anniversary of the announcement of Greater Lebanon.

“Fighting dark terrorism should be prioritized on the decision-making level, and confronting the murky wave is a long and complicated operation,” he added.

Salam further highlighted the strong link between presidential vacuum and national security.

“I again invite all political factions to elect a Christian Maronite president as a head of state, because this is how we fortify our home and revive our institutions,” he said.

Saying Lebanon had paid a huge price because of terrorism, the last of which was the attack on the eastern Arsal town, Salam promised the captive soldier’s families that Lebanon would dedicate all efforts toward freeing their sons.

Salam also praised Lebanon’s ability to overcome historical difficulties and remain as one entity, saying this could change if political parties did not unite on the project to strengthen the state.

“Men will eventually vanish, and political systems are subject to alternation and transformation, but Lebanon remains one and unified in the borders announced 94 years ago,” he further emphasized.

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