mid mounting tension on the eve of Lebanese presidential elections, Army Commander Geneneral Michel Sleiman indicated Tuesday that his troops would confront any attempt to destabilize Lebanon. In his order of the day marking the 64th anniversary of Lebanon's independence, Sleiman told his troops:

"Your national role is dictated by the blood of martyrs and confidence of the citizens who would remain by your side ?They call upon you to safeguard their security and stability; to prevent aggression on their lives and property; to protect public and privately-owned institutions and they support you in striking at whoever attempts to target security and the freedom of others."

"Let it be known that any aggression on security is a national treason, and any weapon directed internally is a treacherous weapon. The homeland is at stake and you are the nation's protectors," Gen. Sleiman said in his order.