March 14 Dedicated To Dialogue and the Preservation of Lebanese Independence
Future Movement leader MP Saad Hariri said that his political activity falls within the spectrum of the Taef Accord, which stipulates that all discussions concerning the Lebanese state should be based in national reconciliation. “We are working to abolish the nightmare of armed chaos from Beirut, and to remove the damages caused to Lebanon’s unity,” he said.
During an Iftar on Wednesday at Qoreitem in tribute to Mount Lebanon, Hariri said that the Future Movement has opened the door to dialogue and calm, and added that it was committed to the principles of March 14 and the “martyrs of the independence.” Hariri said that Future supporters have the responsibility of preserving the second independence and confronting all attempts to obstruct the establishment of a “strong Arab, sovereign, free and independent state.”
“It is time that Lebanon comes out of the dark tunnel and preserves its right to be a sovereign state capable of administering its issues and applying the law. A state that offers guarantees to all political and sectarian groups and is responsible of confronting the Israeli attack as well as renewing confidence in our democratic regime and free economy,” he said. Hariri said members of the Future Movement do not need to prove their innocence; “History will judge who committed mistakes toward Beirut.”
Hariri hailed the speech of President Michel Sleiman in the United nations on Tuesday, “especially his commitment to the Taef Accord, Doha Agreement, and the dialogue as the method to treat national issues,” as well as Sleiman’s commitment to the international tribunal. He also applauded Sleiman’s reiteration of the “Lebanese consensus to refuse naturalization of the Palestinians, and his statement that the international community must handle its responsibilities toward Lebanon and the implementation of UNSCR 1701.” Hariri said that Sleiman’s speech will bring new motivation to the national dialogue.
Hariri said that he welcomed the Hezbollah delegation at his home to reduce tensions, stop the fighting, and abolish the repression of Beirut. “We are breaking the solid ice which accumulated in people’s hearts throughout the days and which put the Muslims and Lebanese at the door of sectarian strife. We want the state and Lebanese Army to be the arbiter between all Lebanese, because we will not leave Lebanon hostage to sectarian wars,” he said.
Hariri said that there are no draw backs from participation in the international tribunal, or from independent national decisions. March 14 will remain united, he said, despite differences in opinions and approaches to new developments. The 2009 parliamentary elections, he concluded, will demonstrate that Lebanon does not intend to surrender its authority to any regime “whether near or far.”