Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji expressed distress Friday over political tension in the country, saying it harms the institution, in particular the dispute over the appointment of high-ranking security and military officials.

Sources close to the army chief said in comments published in As Safir newspaper that Qahwaji warned that the political rift could distract the military, which is engaged in a combat against terrorism.

He reportedly urged politicians to dissociate the army from their disputes as they would negatively impact the spirits of the troops.

Qahwaji's remarks were made during a meeting with Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi, the daily reported.

The high-ranking military official called on party leaders to prevent their rift over the appointment of new security and military servicemen from having repercussions on the army, stressing the importance of ending the “phenomenon.”

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