Lebanese president's address on independence day
Lebanon, Politics, 11/24/1999

Here is the official full text of Lebanese President Emile Lahoud on the occasion of Independence Day:
 
 
DEAR LEBANESE,
 
 
My address today on the occasion of Independence Day coincides with the first anniversary of my accession to presidency.
 
It is your right to question where we are now from yesterday and whether this occasion would be for frankness and openness?
A year ago, and in my oath speech, I summarized what the Lebanese people were complaining of in the past years, and I said that a lot is requested of me, to the extent that a person may wonder from where to start...
 
I also said that people are asking for change and that this cannot be achieved in one stroke, instead, there should be a beginning. I also noted that we live in a parliamentary democratic regime, whereby change would be from inside institutions and by cooperation among authorities. I concluded by saying that I do not have a magic cane that fulfills hopes in one night, but I have the determination and intention and my hand is stretched out to all .
 
 
DEAR LEBANESE,
 
Today and after one year, I'm still committed to what I've said. In light of the complaints which I hear, whether the innocent or the fabricated ones, I should say that this reign has inherited administrative, social, economic and political problems and accumulations, which were caused by some of the Lebanese during the civil strife; others resulted from a number of officials after the civil war and the third part is the outcome of general foreign circumstances.
 
Away from the language of blaming and lamenting, these problems and accumulations require our participation in finding a solution, namely that of the current rule and the opposition, in the first place, and the participation of Lebanese citizens in the second place.
 
DEAR LEBANESE,
It is not beneficial to anyone, in view of preserving national interests and morals, to continue with wasting time and efforts through the exchange of daily campaigns and unfruitful accusations.
 
The atmosphere of freedom and democracy prevailing in Lebanon in different sectors should lead us towards creativity and progress, rather than towards agitation and instincts. It is a duty to employ this climate, particularly in mass media, to give an impulse to the sense of responsibility among the regime's officials and to boost constructive criticism among the opposition, taking into consideration the general welfare.
 
DEAR LEBANESE,
Since independence and up till the beginning of the civil war, our nation was a state of circumstances, whereby our country becomes strong with its strength and weakens with its weakness, whereas stability and flourishment were un-preserved grace and unguaranteed wealth. The reasons of strife were lying in our society at any moment and ready to be exploded at any change. After what has happened, a moral question rises before us: should all this continue?
 
The answer to this question is definitely: NO. The remedy to this is to have a state in this nation, which is modern, non- confessional, just, capable in its practice, balanced in its structure and aware in its choices. To achieve this aim, it requires contribution and concession by everyone for the welfare of law, institutions and state's general financial interest; thus leading to ensuring prosperous opportunities for the national economy, reconsidering the confessional statute structure and minimizing the extent of unlimited exchange policy.
 
 
DEAR LEBANESE,
 
The rise of such a state in Lebanon, in light of a great number abstaining from contribution and concession, is a long and hard operation, awaiting until all would reach the conviction that there is no salvation to anyone without this state. If the Lebanese, in their majority, would not reach this conviction with the required speed, then their sufferings in confronting the standing problems would remain. In addition, there would be delay in following up on the century's challenges and the development of the current stage.
 
We crossed half the way towards stability when the Lebanese unanimously agreed on their strategic choice in discriminating the friend from the enemy. It is well known that the Israeli maneuvers, including unilateral withdrawal outside the framework of a just and comprehensive peace agreement, do not aim at reaching peace but rather a security formula that satisfies Israel on our account by throwing all other burdens, namely the Palestinian problem, on us.
 
That's why we've always reiterated that we stick to the Resistance and reject giving guarantees to any withdrawal outside the framework of a peace agreement, comprising Lebanon and Syria, that would lead to a complete withdrawal from the South, west Bekaa and the Golan Heights, ensure the Palestinian refugees' right to return to their homeland and resolve other standing problems including security and other issues.
 
Herein, we renew confirmation that the weapon of resisting occupation derives its legacy from the Lebanese Resistance. Any other weapon attempting to get its legacy from those who have held reconciliation with Israel, ignoring Lebanon's sacrifices and the right of return, is rather a strife weapon that should go back to the State or be handed to another resisting fighter.
 
DEAR LEBANESE,
 
 
Our clear strategic choices are half the way to the state's stability. The other half, which is not less important and forms a solid ground to this stability, bears on boosting the State's administrative, social, political and economic immunity. This is achieved by resolving standing problems with the sense of responsibility and constructive participation, and through the conviction of all that they are on the same boat.
 
DEAR LEBANESE,
 
As much as I am aware of the extent of difficulties and challenges, as much as I'm sure that we are capable of surpassing them whenever intention and determination are available.
 
Despite the difficulties of the current circumstances, Lebanon's capabilities and potentials in various sectors make me see the future flourishing and bright; whereby the Lebanese residents are in themselves a great value, the expatriates a great treasure and in between lies a developing and boosting nation.
 
DEAR LEBANESE,
 
 
I call on you for all of the above, and I extend a salute of honor and respect to our steadfast and resisting families in the South and west Beqaa, as well as to the nation's and the Lebanese Army's martyrs.

Previous Stories:
  Russian, French presidents back Lebanese rights   (11/23/1999)
  Lebanon celebrates independence anniversary   (11/23/1999)
  New Lebanese president pledges strengthening ties with Syria and rule of law   (11/25/1998)

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