Hariri: June 7…Our Date with Free Choice
Mustaqbal Movement leader Saad Hariri said Saturday on the occasion marking the fourth anniversary of the assassination of his father, ex-PM Rafik Hariri, that he was looking forward to the June 7 general elections.
"We move forward with the Lebanese towards the 7th of June — Our date with free choice," Hariri addressed the crowd from behind a bullet-proof glass screen.
"Parliamentary elections are fateful because they provide an opportunity to build a free state.
"We look forward for the elections to be held in a spirit of democracy under the supervision of the law and Arab and international monitoring.
"We will handle the results on the basis of the law and in commitment to the Constitution.
On all-party talks, Hariri believed the "language of national dialogue must supersede all other speeches."
"At the Taef Accord we all agreed to turn the page of war with no return. This accord remains the basis on which we renew our national stance," Hariri stressed.
He said it was time to "uncover corruption and those that provide it with protection."
Turning to the international tribunal to try suspects involved in his father”s murder, Hariri said "the time for truth has come."
He hailed the crowd, saying "Rafik Hariri is thanking you."
"All those who took part at rallies in Freedom Square paved the way for the tribunal in The Hague," Hariri acknowledged.
"Our journey requires more patience… We will assume the responsibility of facing attempts to destroy free decision-making," he added.
Regarding the Palestinian issue, Hariri said: "Shame on us if the Palestinian cause turns into a dispute among brothers."