BEIRUT, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) — The British Charge d’Affaires in Lebanon Ben Wastnage emphasized Friday that the Lebanese army is the “sole legitimate defender of Lebanon” and reiterated British support for the military institution. According to a press release by Prime Minister Saad Hariri’s office, Wastange said “I reaffirmed the British support to the Lebanese Armed Forces as the sole legitimate defender of Lebanon, which successfully and highhandedly repelled an invasion by Daesh in 2014, and is a cornerstone of Lebanese sovereignty.” “In particular, I welcomed the convening of the Higher Defense Committee and the Prime Minister’s backing for the Lebanese Armed Forces Commander,” the British diplomat added.