BEIRUT - According to Kahwaji's first address to his troops, known as "The Order of the Day" and which was distributed by the Lebanese National News Agency, Lebanese troops should help in "providing the proper atmosphere to [facilitate] the practice of democracy and public freedoms as guaranteed by the Constitution and law."

Newly appointed Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) commander General Jean Kahwaji told his troops on Tuesday : "Reclaiming occupied lands and preserving security and stability should be your sole priorities".

The new army commander also reminded LAF troops to defend South Lebanon. "Safeguarding security consolidates respect for the Lebanese state," he said, while adding that he was "proud" to succeed President Michel Sleiman as army commander.

The general urged his troops to double efforts to put an end to Israeli violations of Lebanese territory, "and to Israeli terror that spreads horror and fear in various areas."

"Loyalty to the [military] establishment and the homeland should be one of your top priorities," he told his troops.

He concluded that the "unity of the LAF is the base of your performance and success."

Kahwaji assumed his duties on Monday after a swearing-in ceremony at the Defense Ministry headquarters in Yarze. The command was handed over by army chief of staff Brigadier General Shawqi al-Masri, who had been serving as acting LAF chief since the election of Sleiman as president on May 25.

Kahwaji, who was appointed to his new post in Friday's Cabinet session, said maintaining the army's unity was at the top of his priorities. "I will do my best to preserve the army's unity and enhance its capabilities," he added. "The unity of the army safeguards the unity of our homeland." He also listed the army's achievements under Sleiman's command, highlighting the summer 2006 war with Israel, and the battles between the LAF and Fatah al-Islam militants at the Palestinian refugee camp of Nahr al-Bared near Tripoli.