Saniora Lists his Cabinet”s Accomplishments
Prime Minister Fouad Siniora and his rump cabinet convened for the last time on the eve of Friday, May 23, 2008. The Lebanese ministers discussed the latest developments in the Lebanese dossier, particularly the outcome of the Lebanese dialogue hosted by the Qatari capital last week.
Siniora gave a speech during the meeting, in which he said the Lebanese were “steps from the long-awaited moment” only 48 hours before the election of Army Commander General Michel Sleiman as president on Sunday.
Lebanon has been without president since Emile Lahoud stepped down last November, and Siniora’s cabinet has been labeled “illegitimate” by the Lebanese opposition since six Hezbollah and Amal ministers resigned in November, 2006.
“Today we meet for the last time, as a ministerial body, in order to pave the way to hand responsibility over to the House of Parliament and the President,” Siniora said.
Ultimately, he continued, the government’s sole concern was “national interests and the interests of our citizens and Lebanese families in Lebanon and abroad, who are anxious to see peace and calm and live in dignity.”
“We have chosen both to be faithful to [the Lebanese people], who gave us this responsibility through their representatives in parliament. We kept our promise and did not stray from the path of independence and defended our democratic system and institutions for the consolidation of civil peace and coexistence,” the Prime Minister added.
Siniora denounced hearsay and allegations, particularly in the media, on who had won or lost in the Doha agreement, noting that such debates aimed at destroying Lebanon. “The winner of our agreement in Doha is Lebanon, the future of Lebanon and the future of the Lebanese.”
Siniora said all Lebanese parties had made concessions for the sake of Lebanon. “We are committed to this agreement,” he stated.
The PM said that “hundreds of Arab and foreign investors” had begun preparations to reinvest in Lebanon, which he attributed to Lebanese “mutual concessions.”
He also said this was the beginning of a “return of confidence” among the Lebanese and the start of expanding opportunities after the country had become accustomed to loss.
“In short, Lebanon is a country to live in, learn from, and belong to. A country which respects the freedom and dignity of citizens and their choices and convictions. A country convinced of its independence and sovereignty and that belongs to the Arab region.”
Siniora recalled the Lebanese encounter with “terrorism and terrorists who tried to assassinate your ministers, and succeeded in assassinating the martyr Rafik Hariri and his peers.” Siniora also recalled assassinated Minister Pierre Gemayel and the innocent citizens in the streets and alleys of Beirut and several regions across Lebanon who had lost their lives or loved ones. The premier commended the Lebanese for refusing to give in to such “terror.”
Siniora noted that the cabinet had worked to keep the International Tribunal alive and amend Syrian-Lebanese relations.
Prime Minister Siniora said two of Lebanon’s biggest tasks were dealing with “terrorism and Israeli aggressions,” in addition to the reconstruction of all that had been demolished, including Nahr al-Bared.
Siniora ended his last cabinet meeting by saying, “In conclusion, I can tell you that my work with you was an honor for me and the best experience of my life. You have carried the confidence of the Lebanese people to keep Lebanon a free, sovereign and independent country.”