Beirut: President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, addressed the Lebanese people on the eve of the fiftieth anniversary of the civil war, commemorating April 13th as a significant day in the nation's history.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, President Aoun began his address by reflecting on the impact of the war over the past fifty years, noting that those born during the war are now past middle age, having lived through a period characterized by instability. He emphasized the importance of remembering the thousands of martyrs, the wounded, and the families who continue to suffer from the war's aftermath.
President Aoun posed a poignant question to officials, asking why the war occurred when constitutional amendments could have been achieved through dialogue. He acknowledged the responsibility of both internal and external factors that contributed to the conflict. He urged for lessons to be drawn from the past, stressing that violence and hatred are not solutions and that dialogue remains the key to resolving Lebanon's issues.
Highlighting the role of foreign powers, President Aoun stated that reliance on external influences has historically led to losses for Lebanon. He called for internal settlements and emphasized the importance of the Lebanese state as the ultimate resort for all citizens. He reiterated that Lebanon's future lies in its institutions and mutual commitment to equality.
President Aoun addressed the recent rocket attacks from southern Lebanon, which were unanimously condemned by the Lebanese people. He praised the Supreme Islamic Shia Council's initiative in filing a judicial report against those responsible, emphasizing the necessity for unity and adherence to state protection as the only path forward.
In conclusion, President Aoun urged the nation to adhere to a stance that prioritizes the state's authority, the army, and official security forces, emphasizing that the lessons from fifty years of conflict must guide Lebanon toward a future of peace and prosperity. He vowed that Lebanon can only be protected by its state and the unity of its people, ensuring that the future shall be filled with peace and life.