President Michel Aoun stressed, before the diplomatic corps whom he received at Baabda Palace on Thursday, that he is determined to keep striving for the achievement of reforms for the rest of his presidential term.
“I am determined, in collaboration with the House of Representatives and the Government, and for the rest of my presidential term, to keep striving – despite all impediments – for the achievement of the reforms to which I have committed myself, and which have always been called for by your countries” said Aoun.
Following is the President’s full statement as distributed by his press office:
“Your Excellency the Apostolic Nuncio Monsignor Joseph Spiteri, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps,
Your Excellencies,
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you at the Presidential Palace at the beginning of the new year, on this traditional occasion which was prevented last year by the coronavirus pandemic.
As I thank you for your heartfelt greetings conveyed on your behalf to Lebanon and its people and to me personally, by His Excellency the Apostolic Nuncio, I reciprocate them to you, as I extend to your States and peoples my best wishes of wellbeing, progress, peace and prosperity.
Allow me, Monsignor, to express my particular acknowledgement and gratitude to His Holiness Pope Francis who holds Lebanon in his prayers and who has dedicated to the country and people of the Cedars a day of special meditation and prayer, on the 1st of July, with the participation of the heads of the Levantine Christian communities; as he renewed yesterday before the diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See his love for this country and its people, and his true wishes of recovery, calling on the international community to help, in order for Lebanon to remain an example of coexistence among its citizens, no matter to which confession they belong.
Yes, Excellencies… Lebanon is currently weighed down by dire economic, financial, social and humanitarian burdens whose foundations were laid by a certain political system and a financial and economic approach, and which were made more acute by the coronavirus pandemic crisis and other fatalities. This very Lebanon always looks up to its brothers and friends in the world to extend to it a helping hand to overcome the harsh circumstances that its people are struggling against, and to remain – as we have always wanted it – an oasis of peace and security and a space for dialogue, especially that it only dedicates to your States and peoples with no exception, all the good, affection, and honest desire to have with them relations of constructive cooperation, mutual respect and positive interaction. By nature, Lebanon is neither a passage nor a base for any activity that may undermine your countries’ sovereignty, security and stability, or interfere in their internal affairs, in particular the brotherly Arab countries which have always stood by our side, especially in the difficult circumstances that Lebanon has gone and is still going through.
Your Excellencies,
Driven by this keenness, which we have repeatedly expressed on various occasions, Lebanon hopes that the stances of some States will be similar to its own, whereas its arena is not used as a field to settle their differences or their regional conflicts, and whereas they do not support some of its factions or groups to the detriment of others, but rather deal with all the Lebanese with no discrimination or segregation. This is how they would help preserve the specificity which characterizes the citizens of this nation, and which has been and shall remain the secret of their unity and solidarity, and the basis of Lebanon’s stability, knowing that, if this stability is ever shaken, its repercussions shall not be confined to the internal scene but will rather have an external fallout as well.
Dear ambassadors,
Your countries have rushed to offer commendable assistance and support for Lebanon and its people in the ordeals that have struck it, especially after the devastating blast of the Beirut Port. Indeed, many conferences were held for this purpose, at the initiative of French President Emmanuel Macron, in coordination with the United Nations. During these conferences, your countries have responded favorably to the calls for assistance and support, showing an unprecedented keenness to rescue Lebanon and the Lebanese. A generous influx of aid from various kinds has been and still is channeled to Lebanon, enabling us to face the painful consequences of the disaster that hit our capital.
Nevertheless, I wish to draw your kind attention to the fact that some parties have gone past the obligation of coordinating with the comprehensive Lebanese State institutions, dealing directly with associations and groups; some of these groups have grown like fungi after the port blast, seeking to exploit of this material and humanitarian support for political goals, under dubious mottos, especially that Lebanon is on the verge of parliamentary elections. This is why I asked to be cautious about these groups, and to limit support and assistance to State institutions, humanitarian and international bodies and organizations which have proven their impartiality, neutrality and commitment to international pacts that govern human rights, and which neither practice discrimination or favoritism, nor instrumentalize the present economic crisis for political or private considerations and interests.
Against this backdrop, I salute the exceptional efforts exerted by the United Nations’ organizations, as well as the Arab and international humanitarian bodies which have worked and are still working to provide assistance, based on their noble principles that rely on justice, equality and non-interference in internal affairs and domestic policies.
Your Excellencies,
I am determined, in collaboration with the House of Representatives and the Government, and for the rest of my presidential term, to keep striving – despite all impediments – for the achievement of the reforms to which I have committed myself, and which have always been called for by your countries, notably: the adoption of a fiscal and economic recovery plan which will be approved by the Government of Lebanon in the coming few weeks at the Council of Ministers which will meet again after a period of forced blockage that had absolutely no justification, in preparation for the discussion of the plan with the International Monetary Fund to mark the beginning of the recovery journey. Concomitantly the forensic audit will be performed on the accounts of Lebanon’s Central Bank, administrations, institutions and other boards, in view of identifying the causes of the financial decline that has struck Lebanon, and holding accountable the perpetrators and the negligent who – with their three-decade long corruption, squandering and wrong economic and monetary policies – enabled an infamous establishment to control the country’s resources, dispose of them to serve their own interests, and practice a monopolization policy while enjoying an internal and an external protection.
Excellencies,
In parallel with the endeavors aimed at accomplishing the desired reforms, Lebanon envisages a constitutional and democratic milestone next spring, namely the parliamentary elections which shall be held in due time, enable the Lebanese to express their national and political choices in total freedom, democracy and transparency. I am full of hope that the Lebanese will demonstrate a high level of responsibility in bringing to Parliament those who will strive to fulfill their hopes and aspirations for a brighter future and to lay the foundations of a monopoly-free political system that does not give way to a vicious circle of unsolvable crises. This is why I have called to embrace extensive administrative and financial decentralization. A few days ago, I have called for a table of dialogue to discuss it along with the defense strategy and the economic recovery plan, but some political leaders did not respond favorably; yet, it did not keep me from holding on to my call for dialogue because of my unwavering conviction that this is the path to salvation.
Excellencies,
Lebanon is a peace-loving country; it has never been an aggressor but rather the victim of aggressions: indeed, these aggressions take the shape of continued past and present Israeli aggressions in the South by land, sea and air, along with permanent violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty and airspace to carry out air raids against Syrian territories. Although it is Lebanon’s right to defend its territories and sovereignty by all available means, it has committed to the implementation of international resolutions, notably UNSC Resolution 1701, and it cooperates through its Army with the UNIFIL to preserve security and stability in the South, while Israel continues to disregard the provisions of this Resolution. Nevertheless, commitment to Resolution 1701 does not necessarily mean abstaining from demanding Lebanon’s right to practice its sovereignty over its land and water and to exploit its oil and gas resources. Today, I reiterate before you Lebanon’s continued desire to negotiate about the demarcation of the Southern maritime borders in a manner that preserves its rights within its Exclusive Economic Zone, pursuant to the relevant international laws and treaties.
I am aware that stability in the South will only be promoted through stability in the region, which in turn can only be achieved through a just, comprehensive and lasting peace whose foundations were laid by the Arab Peace Initiative adopted by the Beirut Summit in 2002, namely with the establishment of an independent Palestinian State whose capital is Al-Quds, whereas the Palestinians can return to their land, and the settlement scheme which is rejected by all the Lebanese will fall for good.
In parallel, Lebanon hopes that security and stability will be restored in the Arab countries which have witnessed wars entailed by terrorist attacks that have taken place on their territories, at the top of which our closest neighbor Syria, whereas the displaced can return from Lebanon to their lands and properties. Lebanon regards with suspicion some international positions that prevent this return till the moment, despite the end of fighting in vast areas of Syria, which raises questions about the reasons for this obstruction.
Excellencies,
In this gathering, the last during my presidential term, I wanted to be forthcoming with you about many issues of great concern to the Lebanese. Time won’t be enough to go into details, but I do promise you that today’s bleeding Lebanon is capable of healing its wounds and recovering, because the will of the Lebanese – residents and diaspora alike – is solid, and their attachment to their country is irreplaceable, but they look up to you to stand by them and support them, thus preserving a country which is unique by its composition, remarkable by its people’s capabilities, keen on modernity and development, a country which only wishes well to all brotherly and friendly States, and is confident that its wishes are reciprocated by you. Do not let it down, help it because Lebanon, with its plural society, is an example of life to be followed.
Once more, I extend my best wishes of well-being, peace and prosperity to you personally and to your friendly and brotherly countries and peoples.”
For his part, Apostolic Nuncio and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Mgr. Joseph Spiteri delivered the following speech:
“Your Excellency the President of the Republic.
Thank you for kindly receiving us today, at the beginning of 2022. It is an honour for all of us, Ambassadors and Representatives of International Organisations, to wish Your Excellency and all the People of Lebanon abundant blessings for the New Year.
Last year, unfortunately, we could not participate in this traditional and significant ceremony. Our last meeting was at the beginning of the Jubilee Year, 2020, which we had hoped and prayed would be a year of renewal for Lebanon.
On that occasion, in fact, we had expressed the following best wishes. “Today, we want to encourage all Lebanese to remain steadfast in their commitment to freedom, fundamental rights, democracy and solidarity so that they will continue to inspire hope in the possibility of harmonious coexistence and progress not only in the Land of the Cedars but also in neighbouring countries.”
Many Lebanese believed that the Centenary Year of Great Lebanon could be a unique opportunity for necessary reforms that would benefit all citizens. Many saw in the mass demonstrations taking place since October 2019, animated particularly by young Lebanese, a unique opportunity to put pressure on political leaders and financial authorities to bring about political, economic and social renewal for the whole of Lebanon. Unfortunately, that has not been the case.
The severe trials of the last two years have been catastrophic. Who has not felt the desolation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic as it swept across the globe? Lebanon is still struggling with the dire consequences of this pandemic! Who can forget the tragic Port of Beirut explosion, the result of criminal negligence? Who can fail to recall all the innocent victims of the blast, the immense devastation it caused and the social problems it generated? How is it possible to forget the other innocent victims of the economic collapse? Can we just brush aside the moral and psychological suffering of those pushed below the poverty line because of financial mismanagement, lack of accountability and even corruption of many persons in authority? These hardships, however, with all their pain, have not extinguished the spirit of freedom of the Lebanese nor their solidarity!
No! We can see it every day. People struggle to make ends meet, but they also care about those less fortunate. Such solidarity has also been possible through the help of the Lebanese diaspora and the constant and generous assistance of the Nations and the International Organizations represented here before you.
Your Excellency, many of my esteemed Colleagues have been in Lebanon for several years and have grown to love the Lebanese and their traditions, although they are sometimes difficult to understand. Even the Diplomats who have arrived more recently are quickly attracted to the Land of the Cedars. I take this opportunity to salute the Heads of Mission who concluded their duties in Beirut during the last two years and to greet all new arrivals. Our Diplomatic community shares the everyday life and problems of our Lebanese brothers and sisters. We cannot forget that many Diplomatic Missions were directly hit by the Port explosion of 4th August 2020, and suffered immense damages, with some even losing members of their staff, such as the wife of the former Dutch Ambassador and the Councillor of the Embassy of Germany. Allow me, Mr. President, to ask everyone to hold a moment of silence to recall all the victims, Lebanese and expatriates, of the Port tragedy. (Moment of silence) Thank you.
We all know that the International Community has been asking the Lebanese authorities to implement several reforms. We have witnessed, during these last two years, a succession of governments, with Prime Ministers nominated, acting as caretakers and resigning. We are also very concerned about the paralysis in the Cabinet meetings of the present government. We sincerely congratulate His Excellency Mr. Najib Mikati for accepting such a challenging mission and wish him a successful resumption of the indispensable Cabinet activity. May all Ministers and political leaders put the needs of the citizens as their foremost concern and do their utmost to reach shared decisions, so that all the inhabitants of Lebanon may regain their dignity. No solutions can be achieved without sincere and respectful dialogue, as you recently recalled, Mr. President. Only constant dialogue on all levels, not ideological impositions, can help clarify the real needs of the different components of Lebanese society and allow the correct decisions to be taken and implemented.
The International Community is also insisting on the need to hold free, fair and transparent elections. No political party should be afraid to present its program and its candidates to the citizens, who are called to express their sovereign verdict. In fact, it is the duty and the right of the citizens to freely express their views by casting their votes, thus choosing those who will serve in Parliament. It could be certainly beneficial if the political parties participating in the next elections sign an agreement of mutual respect, not to resort to smear campaigns, but to protect the dignity of every candidate, party and denomination. We presume that every candidate has the good of Lebanon at heart and therefore should be respected.
Excellency, last Saturday I was in Tripoli to attend the opening of a Centre to help young people overcome drug dependency problems. It is aptly named “Fursa” (ÝÑÕÉ – opportunity), a joint social initiative by the Muslim Al Manhaj al Khayri and the Christian organization Oum en Nour, which has also worked with the Sayyed Muhammad Hussein Fadlallah Foundation. It is a clear example of cooperation at the service of all the citizens, so typical of Lebanon. It represents the profound roots of the Lebanese, who know how to stand shoulder to shoulder in times of need, to offer mutual support.
The Land of the Cedars presents abundant similar examples in the fields of education and health care, as in social and artistic initiatives. The thousands of young people, together with the not so young, who rallied around the Lebanese flag during the mass protests of the last two years did not represent denominations or political parties but were animated by their love for Lebanon. What a contrast with all those who are trying to foment the resurgence of inter-communitarian rivalries that threaten fraternity.
Mr. President, ten years ago, during his visit to Lebanon, Pope Benedict XVI pronounced these words here in the Presidential Palace: “The wealth of any country is found primarily in its inhabitants. The country’s future depends on them, individually and collectively, as does its capacity to work for peace.” (15th September 2012).
We are aware that the Lebanese Constitution is founded on the rights of its citizens and not on the demands of the different denominations. The respect of these rights favours fraternity, which is fundamental to the ethos of the Lebanese exercise of authority, at whatever level. Authority, in fact, is not so much the possibility to wield power over others but rather the ability to understand the needs of every human person, to facilitate respectful dialogue leading to shared decisions that favour the development of the citizens and of the nation. Authority respects the rule of law, but also promotes freedom, because only free persons are able to work together for peace and for sustainable human development, where nobody is left behind.
Your Excellency, while presenting you and your family the best wishes for the New Year on behalf of all the Heads of State of the Nations we have the honour to represent before You, we renew our steadfast solidarity with Lebanon and its People. May all those in authority overcome sectarian interests, promote a culture of transparency and accountability and work together to save Lebanon. Our dream is to see all the Lebanese regain the fullness of their dignity. We hope this will not be just another opportunity but will become reality, thanks to the traditional resilience, creativity, free spirit and sense of solidarity of all the Lebanese.
God bless Lebanon! May God bless all of us. Thank you.”
Source: National News Agency – Lebanon