Aoun Highlights Lebanon’s Crucial Choice Between State Authority and Militia Rule on Ehden Massacre Anniversary

Beirut: President Joseph Aoun marked the 48th anniversary of the Ehden massacre, where former minister Tony Frangieh, his family, and companions were assassinated, by emphasizing the need for Lebanon to learn from its painful past. He reflected on the tragedy as a lesson in unity and the importance of avoiding the mistakes of history. According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Aoun highlighted that Lebanon currently stands at a crossroads. He urged the nation's people to rally behind a sovereign state that maintains a monopoly on arms, enforces the rule of law, and ensures the protection of all citizens. He warned that failure to do so would leave the country vulnerable to "the logic of militias and a culture of exclusion." Aoun further stated that this moment in Lebanon's history leaves no space for sectarian divisions or regional rivalries. He described national unity as essential for the country's survival, emphasizing that it must be constructed through honesty, reinforced by justice, and grounded in fairness for all segments of Lebanese society. The president recommitted to honoring the memory of the Ehden massacre victims, as well as all who perished during the Lebanese Civil War and subsequent conflicts. He pledged to strive for a Lebanon where citizens live as free and equal individuals, bound by true citizenship and loyalty to a state based on law and justice. "May God have mercy on the martyrs and help Lebanon overcome its challenges," Aoun concluded, reiterating his hope for a peaceful and united future for the nation.