Suleiman: Work on Preserving Lebanon’s Uniqueness
Source: Al-Manar TV, 22-11-2008
LEBANON MARKS 65TH INDEPENDENCE DAY
Lebanon marked Saturday the 65th anniversary of its independence from France in 1943. The country's leaders, President Michel Suleiman, Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Fouad Saniora along with ministers, MPs, military and security officials attended a military parade at the Martyrs' Square in downtown Beirut to mark the occasion.
President Suleiman stressed a day earlier "the nation is built and independence is achieved only through sacrifices."
The President's comments were part of a speech he delivered on the eve of Lebanon's 65th Independence Day. He urged the Lebanese to build a uniting, capable and just state, far away from political polarizations. President Suleiman pointed in his address that in the past six months, the main focus was on determining priorities and drawing up a vision that protects the independence. He added that the country had witnessed major improvements, including reconciliations between the different Lebanese factions, which he hoped to be completed soon, national dialogue and the uncovering of terrorist cells. "These achievements led to an atmosphere of accord on all levels," Suleiman said. The President also stressed the importance of an independent judiciary, saying: "Lebanon's independence cannot be achieved without the independence of the judiciary and the building of transparent and fair institutions that fight corruption, seek reform and provide the Lebanese with equal opportunities."
The president also addressed economic and social problems burdening the Lebanese, saying: "Special attention should be granted to the economic, social, environmental, livelihood, educational and health problems that occupy most of the people's time, efforts and savings."
"Fellow citizens, we are all for this nation. Yes, it is a pledge that we renew all the time, elderly, women, and men, we all answer the call of our nation every time ordeals rush upon it.
Independence has always been freedom. It has cost us sacrifices, destruction, displacement, hard times and martyrdom. Yet, Independence remains freedom, sovereignty, dignity and martyrdom for which we sacrifice everything...For this independence, Presidents, Prime Ministers, clerics, media people, soldiers and resistance fighters have martyred along the way," The President said while addressing 165 university students at the Baabda Presidential Palace. "While confronting the occupation, Lebanon with its people, army and resistance, was able to liberate its land save for some territories that are still occupied such as the Shibaa Farms, the Kfarshouba Hills and the northern part of the Ghajar village and was able to gain back all the prisoners and detainees from the jails of the Israeli enemy," the president continued.
Suleiman recalled that the Lebanese celebrated their country's independence in 1943 and sought in the 60's to build the nation of independence "but a decade later, they were almost caught in the trap of "independent mini states. Today, new sacrifices have to be made, so let them be for the sake of building the uniting, capable and just nation away from political polarizations. This is a project worth working for."
Suleiman added that the national dialogue had been "convened, in accord with the Doha Agreement, with drawing up a defense strategy topping its agenda."
The President also said that the political and media calm down has improved "and concrete results have been achieved on the levels of preserving security and uncovering Israeli spy networks as well as terrorist cells that targeted the Lebanese army and the safety of the Lebanese citizens. This calls for more consolidation and awareness."
On the economic situation, President Suleiman said that "despite keeping Lebanon away from the repercussions of the global financial crisis, we should reinforce internal ties and support more investments in Lebanon." He added that support from the countries of the world underlined Lebanon's important role in the region and the world as a whole."
Suleiman explained that during his official tours outside the country, he was keen to bolster links with the Lebanese abroad so as to motivate them to invest in their country. The President stressed the Lebanese living abroad along with their country mates living in Lebanon had a very important role to play in strengthening Lebanon's independence.
"Independence becomes more deep-rooted if every individual in this community was committed, in his way of thinking, his performance, and his dealing with the other, to the requirements of agreement, national unity and the spirit of moderation. Working on preserving Lebanon as a distinguished and unique country is a fundamental form of independence. And be sure, Lebanese youth, that wisdom and moderation are one face of heroism," Lebanese President Michel Suleiman told the young university students.
LEBANON MARKS 65TH INDEPENDENCE DAY
Lebanon marked Saturday the 65th anniversary of its independence from France in 1943. The country's leaders, President Michel Suleiman, Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Fouad Saniora along with ministers, MPs, military and security officials attended a military parade at the Martyrs' Square in downtown Beirut to mark the occasion.
President Suleiman stressed a day earlier "the nation is built and independence is achieved only through sacrifices."
The President's comments were part of a speech he delivered on the eve of Lebanon's 65th Independence Day. He urged the Lebanese to build a uniting, capable and just state, far away from political polarizations. President Suleiman pointed in his address that in the past six months, the main focus was on determining priorities and drawing up a vision that protects the independence. He added that the country had witnessed major improvements, including reconciliations between the different Lebanese factions, which he hoped to be completed soon, national dialogue and the uncovering of terrorist cells. "These achievements led to an atmosphere of accord on all levels," Suleiman said. The President also stressed the importance of an independent judiciary, saying: "Lebanon's independence cannot be achieved without the independence of the judiciary and the building of transparent and fair institutions that fight corruption, seek reform and provide the Lebanese with equal opportunities."
The president also addressed economic and social problems burdening the Lebanese, saying: "Special attention should be granted to the economic, social, environmental, livelihood, educational and health problems that occupy most of the people's time, efforts and savings."
"Fellow citizens, we are all for this nation. Yes, it is a pledge that we renew all the time, elderly, women, and men, we all answer the call of our nation every time ordeals rush upon it.
Independence has always been freedom. It has cost us sacrifices, destruction, displacement, hard times and martyrdom. Yet, Independence remains freedom, sovereignty, dignity and martyrdom for which we sacrifice everything...For this independence, Presidents, Prime Ministers, clerics, media people, soldiers and resistance fighters have martyred along the way," The President said while addressing 165 university students at the Baabda Presidential Palace. "While confronting the occupation, Lebanon with its people, army and resistance, was able to liberate its land save for some territories that are still occupied such as the Shibaa Farms, the Kfarshouba Hills and the northern part of the Ghajar village and was able to gain back all the prisoners and detainees from the jails of the Israeli enemy," the president continued.
Suleiman recalled that the Lebanese celebrated their country's independence in 1943 and sought in the 60's to build the nation of independence "but a decade later, they were almost caught in the trap of "independent mini states. Today, new sacrifices have to be made, so let them be for the sake of building the uniting, capable and just nation away from political polarizations. This is a project worth working for."
Suleiman added that the national dialogue had been "convened, in accord with the Doha Agreement, with drawing up a defense strategy topping its agenda."
The President also said that the political and media calm down has improved "and concrete results have been achieved on the levels of preserving security and uncovering Israeli spy networks as well as terrorist cells that targeted the Lebanese army and the safety of the Lebanese citizens. This calls for more consolidation and awareness."
On the economic situation, President Suleiman said that "despite keeping Lebanon away from the repercussions of the global financial crisis, we should reinforce internal ties and support more investments in Lebanon." He added that support from the countries of the world underlined Lebanon's important role in the region and the world as a whole."
Suleiman explained that during his official tours outside the country, he was keen to bolster links with the Lebanese abroad so as to motivate them to invest in their country. The President stressed the Lebanese living abroad along with their country mates living in Lebanon had a very important role to play in strengthening Lebanon's independence.
"Independence becomes more deep-rooted if every individual in this community was committed, in his way of thinking, his performance, and his dealing with the other, to the requirements of agreement, national unity and the spirit of moderation. Working on preserving Lebanon as a distinguished and unique country is a fundamental form of independence. And be sure, Lebanese youth, that wisdom and moderation are one face of heroism," Lebanese President Michel Suleiman told the young university students.
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