Lebanon Scraps Independence Rally in First Since Civil War
إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية
Lebanon's government has decided to cancel Independence Day celebrations for the first time since the 1975-1990 civil war because of the country's presidential vacuum, the information minister said Friday.
The failure of parliament to elect a new president reflects a profound political crisis linked to the war in neighboring Syria.
"Yesterday Prime Minister (Tammam) Salam gave a message during the parliamentary session that we would not celebrate Independence Day this year... because of the presidential vacuum," minister Ramzi Jreij told AFP.
Lebanon was due to mark the 71st anniversary of its independence from France on Saturday with a parade involving all the country's security forces.
The cancellation is the first since the end of the civil war, and comes amid a stalemate over the election of a successor to president Michel Sleiman, who stepped down in May.
"For the first time, the Independence Day celebrations are being cancelled, because of the presidential vacuum," a military source confirmed.
The day is usually marked with a speech to the nation by the president on the eve of the holiday and a military parade on the day itself in Beirut, attended by the country's political leadership.
Another military source said the decision to cancel the celebrations was also influenced by an ongoing crisis involving the kidnapping of 27 security forces by jihadists.
The men -- soldiers and police -- have been held since August, when jihadists from the conflict in Syria briefly overran the town on Arsal, on the Lebanese border.
Three hostages have already been killed by their captors, and the country has been on edge for months over the fate of the remaining 27.
Lebanon is deeply divided over the war in Syria.
Powerful Shiite movement Hezbollah has deployed thousands of troops in Syria to support President Bashar al-Assad's regime.
Most of the country's Sunnis support Syria's anti-Assad revolt.
Lebanon was dominated politically and militarily by Damascus until 2005. Syria continues to exert a strong influence over Lebanese politics through its allies.
21 November 2014, 19:33
03
If you think about it, there's too much foreign control of Lebanon, with both Iran and other nations who rival each other outside Lebanon aiming for a piece of the pie. The country is not independent in reality, Lebanon is Lebanon, not a suburb of Syria or Iran like they want it. Until the day real Lebanese have a say and not foreign implants, then Lebanon can be deemed independent.
21 November 2014, 19:35
04
The government may have scrapped independence day celebrations, but what about the people?? What more appropriate time to demand that this government perform its duty and meet to elect a president without the choice being dictated from abroad than on independence day??
The people should be in the streets in mass on tomorrow DEMANDING ACTION!!
21 November 2014, 21:15
04
Since there's nothing to celebrate, this is then the best decision taken. In the absence of the president of the republic, let's just see this as another day of shame thanks to our seriously filthy politicians, and that by definition includes M8, M14 and whatever Riff Raff in between. 3an jad tfeh.
21 November 2014, 22:14
40
We have plently of reasons to celebrate phoenix, I thought you were the patriotic one here, Lebanon is still standing, even though we have been attacked, and bombed by the Israeli/takfiris.
We should celebrate, sing songs and continue with the festivities. Not let the politics cancel this great day.
22 November 2014, 03:15
00
They can all go to hell. And you too if you censor my comment.
22 November 2014, 13:11
10
Maybe Nasrallah should become the president of Lebanon, because he is the only one ruling this country and controlling the military force. At least, there would be no hypocrisy.
Lebanon is anyway under tight Iranian occupation so at least it would be official.
22 November 2014, 13:14
10
"Independance" in that meaning is the worst thing that happened to Lebanon. If Lebanon had remained under French sovereignity, everything would be far better. The country has never been independant, that's the sad reality, so France is a better master than Syria and Iran.
22 November 2014, 13:36
10
M14 & M8, you should be ashamed of yourselves...Sheep have more of a use than you. Great job in making the Lebanese Expats laugh at you along with the entire world.
