Beirut, Lebanon – Lebanese President Joseph Aoun affirmed that the Lebanese Republic, with all its components, stands today before a decisive and historic juncture. This juncture demands clear and courageous choices to safeguard the country’s future.
Aoun explained that the current equation presents the Lebanese with only two paths: either complete consensus on building a truly sovereign state that holds an absolute monopoly on the use of force, enforces the rule of law, and protects the dignity of every citizen regardless of their affiliation; or remaining trapped in a cycle of chaos, with the national will held hostage to the logic of militias and a culture of eliminating the other.
The anniversary of Franjieh’s assassination and the painful lessons of history
According to Lebanon’s official National News Agency, President Aoun’s firm stance came during a speech he delivered at the annual commemoration of the 48th anniversary of the assassination of former minister Tony Suleiman Frangieh. Members of his close family, several of his associates, and civilians were also killed in that pivotal event.
In his speech, the President stressed the profound dimensions of recalling the past, saying: “Recalling the collective memory of this painful and agonizing event compels us all, as citizens and leaders, to learn from the harsh lessons of bloodshed, lessons that the long years of peace failed to teach us.”
Rejecting polarization and the existential necessity of national unity
In his assessment of the current situation and the political deadlock, President Aoun emphasized that the present phase is extremely sensitive and critical. It also requires the highest degree of shared national responsibility from all political parties.
He explained in this context, saying, “We are going through a very critical moment that absolutely cannot tolerate any form of unacceptable sectarianism.”
He added that it is essential to immediately halt the narrow regional and political rivalries that are draining the resources of the state and its constitutional institutions. He emphasized that national unity today is not merely a vague slogan raised on official occasions, but rather an urgent existential necessity for the survival of the Lebanese entity. Aoun added that this genuine unity can only be built through transparent dialogue among the Lebanese people. Furthermore, it is strengthened by swift justice and rooted in fairness and equality for all components of this great nation, without any exception or sectarian discrimination.
A presidential term to build a state of law and citizenship
In closing, the Lebanese president pledged to his citizens that he would exert every effort and utilize all his constitutional powers to realize the dream of building a “New Lebanon”—a Lebanon where all its citizens live freely and equally in rights and responsibilities. A developed nation where they are not only bound by geopolitical borders, but also united by the values of genuine and sincere citizenship.
