Unity and Solidarity in Lebanon Was Behind Liberation
Prime Minister Fouad Saniora on Monday said the "glorious" Liberation Day was the result of sacrifices by the resistance and the people in addition to their support of a diplomatic campaign level led by slain ex-premier Rafik Hariri.
On May 25 2000, Israel withdrew its army from Lebanon ending close to 27 years of occupation.
"Liberation Day is the culmination of the first ever operation to liberate a land occupied by Israel through resistance and the steadfastness, sacrifices and solidarity of the Lebanese people, who offered hundreds of martyrs and injured over the long years," Saniora said in a statement.
He said the withdrawal "embodies a significant case in the Arab and Lebanese history because the cohesion of the people, the state and the resistance for a single goal – to free the land – was the principle factor in achieving the liberation."
The prime minister urged the Lebanese to learn from lessons offered by the liberation and that "formed a national model that Lebanon should hold on to."
"The national weapon confronting Israel – supported by national consensus – showed that internal Lebanese unity is the weapon that enabled them to reach this achievement."
He called for the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701 including "an end to Israeli violations."
Saniora said the government was working to raise the needed funds to complete a demining operation in the south.