Hariri to Return to Lebanon 'Whatever the Challenges': Problem is Not Fatal Mistake in Arsal but Fatal Arms across Lebanon

by Naharnet Newsdesk 14 February 2013, 18:31

Former Premier Saad Hariri said in a speech marking the 8th anniversary of ex-PM Rafik Hariri's murder that he will return to Lebanon to take part in the elections “whatever the law, the challenges and the risks," noting that "the problem is not a fatal mistake in Arsal," but rather the "fatal arms widespread across Lebanon."

“This is the eighth year, and you are resilient, committed to faith in the state and in legitimacy, loyal to Rafik Hariri’s cause,” Hariri said, addressing March 14's supporters in a nationally televised address.

“It's the eighth year, and the legacy of Rafik Hariri is March 14. A date, larger than all parties, the history of a nation that will not die. Do not abandon it. Do not back down on its principles. Do not fail the martyrs, and do not hand Lebanon to the traders of sectarianism, corruption and 'defiance',” Hariri added.

“They tried by all means. By politics, terrorism, murder, money, weapons. They tried to eliminate March 14, but they failed. They set up traps, planted explosives, assassinated leaders, blew up neighborhoods and houses, organized coups, and created strife, but they did not succeed and will not succeed,” the ex-PM vowed.

He noted that “the blood of Rafik Hariri and the blood of March 14’s martyrs is stronger than them all.”

“It is stronger than the 'parties of weapons,' and stronger than the schemes of (Syrian President Bashar) Assad and (Syrian security chief Ali) Mamlouk to sabotage Lebanon,” Hariri added.

Internal Security Forces Intelligence Bureau head “Wissam El Hassan uncovered them, so they killed him. Prior to that, (Intelligence Bureau officer) Wissam Eid uncovered them, and they also killed him,” Hariri said.

The ex-PM noted that “March 14's martyrs, from Rafik Hariri to Bassel Fleihan, to Wissam al-Hasan, did not fall for parliamentary seats, or for electoral laws, or for the premiership, or any seat in power,” describing them as “the martyrs of sovereignty, freedom and coexistence, not the martyrs of conflict over political gains.”

Hariri stressed commitment to “the approach of moderation and to doing the impossible to preserve Lebanon's unity and coexistence among all its components.”

He noted that it is “shameful to replace the state with the sect, in politics, security, defense, administration, judiciary, economy and even lifestyle.”

“When Rafik Hariri was martyred, the flags of sects fell and the Lebanese managed to expel Assad's forces through their Lebanese flags. But unfortunately some people prefer to lower the Lebanese flags and hoist the flags of sects again, but Lebanon will always come first,” Hariri emphasized.

Commenting on the issue of sectarian tensions over the electoral law, Hariri said: “It is no coincidence, brothers, sisters and friends that concerns and fears were raised on the eve of elections and became a material in the race for votes.”

“I assure you today that I'll be by your side in the next electoral battle, whatever the law, the challenges and the risks, on the basis of a national political project that refuses to compromise on the state,” he added.

The former premier said “the problem of weapons in Lebanon, the illegal weapons in all their regional, internal, sectarian, family, jihadist and takfiri functions is the mother of all problems in Lebanon.”

He added that “the biggest predicament is that Hizbullah cannot see Lebanon without the military and security structure built by Iran over the last thirty years. The predicament of the State that coexists with a military mini-state over a jungle of illegal weapons. The weapons of all groups and parties of all sects, from Hizbullah’s weapons to Fatah al-Islam’s weapons and the weapons of their likes.”

Turning to the issue of the U.N.-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon probing the assassination of his father, Hariri said the tribunal is “progressing and the criminals will receive the punishment eventually.”

“But is it possible that Hizbullah continues to bury its head in the sand and refuses to see the state of anxiety, alienation and division that exists in the Islamic arena as a result of its refusal to hand over the suspects. Is it possible that Hizbullah refuses until now to hand over the accused in the assassination attempt against (MP) Butros Harb?” Hariri added.

Four Hizbullah members have been named suspects by the Special Tribunal for Lebanon in the Beirut truck bombing that killed Hariri and 21 others on Feb. 14 , 2005.

The party denies the charges and has refused to hand over the suspects.

Noting that “Bashar Assad’s regime will inevitably fall,” Hariri called on Hizbullah to make “concessions.”

“I don’t call for any concessions to be made for March 14 or al-Mustaqbal Movement or Saad Hariri or this or that sect. I am calling for concessions to be made for the Lebanese State, for the constitutional legitimacy, for the law, for justice, for the military and security apparatuses, for coexistence and for Lebanon’s message,” he added.

Referring to Hizbullah's controversial arsenal of weapons, Hariri said that “today, every Lebanese is able to see that the problem is not a fatal mistake in (the Bekaa town of) Arsal, the problem lies in fatal weapons widespread across Lebanon, because there is a mini-state more powerful than the state.”

Timeline

14 February 2013, 19:12
Hariri: The first step for the return of confidence, for the return of stability, for the return of investments, jobs, decent living, national life, for the return of hope, is: the elections. We will take part in the elections together in order to change the current situation.
14 February 2013, 19:08
Hariri: Today, every Lebanese is able to see that the problem is not a fatal mistake in Arsal, the problem lies in fatal weapons widespread across Lebanon, because there is a mini-state more powerful than the state.
14 February 2013, 19:03
Hariri: We know what a civil state means. We are a civil political movement, moderate and democratic, and no one and nothing can drag us to sectarian, violent or extremist positions.
14 February 2013, 19:02
Hariri: Bashar Assad’s regime will inevitably fall, and its fall will be resounding in Syria, the Arab world and the world. But this fall will not be a mean to repeat the experiences of intimidation among the Lebanese. These experiences should stop forever. Thus, I don’t call for any concessions to be made for March 14 or al-Mustaqbal Movement or Saad Hariri or this or that sect. I am calling for concessions to be made for the Lebanese State, for the constitutional legitimacy, for the law, for justice, for the military and security apparatuses, for coexistence and for Lebanon’s message.
14 February 2013, 18:55
Hariri: The tribunal is progressing and the criminals will receive the punishment eventually. But is it possible that Hizbullah continues to bury its head in the sand and refuses to see the state of anxiety, alienation and division that exists in the Islamic arena as a result of its refusal to hand over the suspects. Is it possible that Hizbullah refuses until now to hand over the accused in the assassination attempt of Butros Harb?
14 February 2013, 18:54
Hariri: The weapons that protect the Shiites in Lebanon are the same that protect the Christians, Sunnis, Druze and all the Lebanese citizens without any exception. The State is the only solution, and the Lebanese army is the only guardian of national security.
14 February 2013, 18:50
Hariri: The biggest predicament is that Hizbullah cannot see Lebanon without the military and security structure built by Iran over the last thirty years. The predicament of the State that coexists with a military mini-state over a jungle of illegal weapons. The weapons of all groups and parties of all sects, from Hizbullah’s weapons to Fatah al-Islam’s weapons and the weapons of their likes.
14 February 2013, 18:49
Hariri: Hizbullah totally refuses to admit this fact, and clings to the following formula: all policies in the service of the weapons. Hizbullah is ready to offer a ministerial bribe to the Prime Minister on the expense of Hizbullah’s share, in exchange for forming a government that does not approach the issue of the weapons. It is also willing to go along with his ally Michel Aoun concerning the Orthodox electoral law to ensure keeping the parliament under the control of weapons. It is also ready to pass the funding of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon in the government, to forget Walid Jumblat’s past campaigns and his tough stances on the Assad regime and Iran’s role in suppressing the Syrian people, in exchange for keeping the weapons away from any discussion.
14 February 2013, 18:48
Hariri: The so-called Resistance Brigades are practically present in Tripoli, Akkar, Minieh, Dinniyeh, Zgharta, Batroun, Koura, Keserouan, Jbeil, Metn, Baabda, Aley, Shouf, and Sidon, in addition to Beirut, the Southern Suburbs, and the entire South and the Bekaa. On the other hand, there are small amounts of weapons in the hands of groups, citizens, organizations and outlawed Lebanese and Palestinian factions, in towns and neighborhoods, that practically resorted to this choice under the pretext of self-defense, in the shadow of the major armed incubator of Hizbullah and Hizbullah brigades. This is greatest danger that threatens common life among the Lebanese.
14 February 2013, 18:46
Hariri: All Lebanese know that illegal weapons produce, on a daily basis, civil conflict and discord between the sects. They also produce closed security zones, organized and unorganized crime, terrorism, neighborhoods “Shabiha”, laws violation, kidnapping, corruption, banditry, smuggling and hegemony over the state.
14 February 2013, 18:45
Hariri: The problem of weapons in Lebanon, the illegal weapons in all their regional, internal, sectarian, family, jihadist and takfiri functions is the mother of all problems in Lebanon.
14 February 2013, 18:44
Hariri: Hence, we took the initiative, while holding onto the Taef Accord, to make clear proposals that require amendments of the constitution, including suspending the article on abolishing political sectarianism, facilitating the establishment of a Senate, adopting extended decentralization, and considering the Baabda Declaration as an integral part of the preamble of the Constitution.
14 February 2013, 18:43
Hariri: I acknowledge the presence of a crisis in the Lebanese national life. A crisis that some want to bring down to the electoral law, whereas we see it as an expression of a real defect that hit the Golden Triangle, which must be the base of the Lebanese State. This triangle is: coexistence, positive neutrality, and the monopoly of power.
14 February 2013, 18:42
Hariri: Regardless of the legitimacy and credibility of these concerns, I want to highlight the principles which I previously announced regarding the electoral law. More importantly, regarding correcting the national and constitutional track, which ensures saving the National Pact and consolidating the pillars of coexistence on solid foundations.
14 February 2013, 18:41
Hariri: It is no coincidence, brothers, sisters and friends that concerns and fears were raised on the eve of elections and became a material in the race for votes. I assure you today that I'll be by your side in the next electoral battle, whatever the law, the challenges and the risks, on the basis of a national political project that refuses to compromise on the State.
14 February 2013, 18:40
Hariri: When Rafik Hariri was martyred, the flags of sects fell and the Lebanese managed to expel Assad's forces through their Lebanese flags. But unfortunately some people prefer to lower the Lebanese flags and hoist the flags of sects again, but Lebanon will always come first.
14 February 2013, 18:39
Hariri: It is shameful to replace the state with the sect, in politics, security, defense, administration, judiciary, economy and even lifestyle.
14 February 2013, 18:38
Hariri: Will Lebanon remain an arena for the conflict of sects or should we transit to a united national society, in which disputes would be addressed under the ceiling of the state?
14 February 2013, 18:38
Hariri: I stress commitment to the approach of moderation and to doing the impossible to preserve Lebanon's unity and coexistence among all its components.
14 February 2013, 18:37
Hariri: March 14's martyrs, from Rafik Hariri to Wissam al-Hasan, did not fall for the sake of parliamentary seats or electoral laws or for the sake of power. They are the martyrs of sovereignty and freedom, not the martyrs of conflict over political gains.
14 February 2013, 18:36
Hariri: Yes, they were exposed by the blood of the martyrs and by the uprising, so they launched their spears of vengeance against it, but March 14 remained an invincible symbol of dignity, just like the cedars.
14 February 2013, 18:36
Hariri: Wissam al-Hasan exposed them, so they killed him. Before that Wissam Eid exposed them and they also killed him. On this day, we salute Wissam al-Hasan, Wissam Eid and all the martyrs of March 14.
14 February 2013, 18:35
Hariri: The blood of Rafik Hariri and the blood of March 14's martyrs is stronger than them all and stronger than the "parties of weapons" and the Assad-Mamlouk plot to sabotage Lebanon.
14 February 2013, 18:34
Hariri: They have tried all the means, they have tried murder and money, in a bid to eradicate March 14 but they have failed. They set traps, assassinated leaders and bombed neighborhoods, but they did not succeed and they will not succeed.
14 February 2013, 18:34
Hariri: March 14's legacy is larger than parties, do not abandon it, do not let down the martyrs and do not surrender Lebanon to the merchants of sectarianism, corruption and "defiance".
14 February 2013, 18:32
Ex-PM Saad Hariri in a televised speech on the 8th anniversary of the assassination of Rafik Hariri: It is the eighth year and you are still steadfast and firm in your faith in the state and its legitimacy and loyal to the cause of Rafik Hariri.

Comments 37

primesuspect 14 February 2013, 18:38

May your dad's soul rest in peace. We miss him, Lebanon misses him and needs him desperately more than ever.... But that's life, his political opponents took him down in order to rule... And take Lebanon down the wrong path.

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ArabDemocrat.com 14 February 2013, 20:19

FT - Is it really difficult to say: We belong to God and to Him shall we return إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ or May God have Mercy on him and on us all. Come on - these are common courtesies.

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primesuspect 14 February 2013, 21:06

What are you expecting from him BigSam? He doesn't respect himself, why would he respect others?

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greatpierro 15 February 2013, 07:29

But this happening

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zalgouta 15 February 2013, 08:54

Lelelelelelelelelelelelelelelelelelelelelelelellililililililililililililililiillllliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

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LEBhasNOhope 14 February 2013, 19:03

He is using words that infuriate his opponents and can get him killed. Words that make them cringe such as moderation, state, unity, coexistence, sovereignty, and freedom. How dare he!

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LEBhasNOhope 14 February 2013, 19:54

Wow Flamer- how did you connect this to that. He rejects that law it because the 13 districts were drawn up in a way that would make it impossible for anyone to win except M8. Haboub, I have an issue with a new election being passed every time there is an election. That is not how you run a country. We need a secular law that is permanent.
BTW- He is forced to make a long distance call because you and politician you support ally yourselves with people that want to kill him because of his political views. You give them political cover because it gives you a greater share in power. You are part of the reason we cannot give rise to state.

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allouchi 14 February 2013, 19:08

May god protect you Sheikh Saad and protect Lebanon...the voice of moderation and truth...

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Gus (Guest) 14 February 2013, 19:15

Neon, when you start believing in states, countries and stop worshiping dictators like the killer you have as you profile picture, than you can understand what would (FREEDOM) means, as long as you are used to be stepped on, you cannot understand...
Allah yehdik, w eza ma hadeik, allah yeikhdak

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lebnanfirst 14 February 2013, 19:58

Grant Hariri and the Future movement at least one thing, they have been steadfast and unwavering about the existence of HA illegal weapons. Agree or disagree, the fact is that goal has remained the single most prominent issue advanced by Future and M14. Persistence with a just issue is key and eventually will prevail.

HA, and perhaps the Lebanese Shiites - at least those that blindly support HA - must come to the conclusion that the rest of us will no longer turn a blind eye to the injustices brought about by the illegal HA weapons. Whereas at one point most Lebanese supported HA and its weapons, today the reverse is true. We Lebanese believe it is high time HA dropped its weapons and integrated itself and sect in a single Lebanese state entity. The people, army and resistance mantra no longer sells and is incapable of propelling Lebanon forward and hence must be abandoned for Lebanon to again rise and take its rightful place among civilized nations.

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CedarDefender (Guest) 14 February 2013, 20:10

The one who actually benefitted most from Hariris dead was his son himself. He formed a political career and heritated his fathers stolen fortune from the poor lebanese people. Hizbollah had good relation with Rafik hariri because he did not interfere in hizbollahs ambitions against the israeli aggression, so they where actually the one suffering most from Hariris dead. They have even provided crystal clear evidence showing that Israel had hand in the killing. For those still blaming hezbollah, please find another hobby, your words a based on an illusion.

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cedardefender 14 February 2013, 20:11

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peace 14 February 2013, 20:24

"They have even provided crystal clear evidence showing that Israel had hand in the killing. "
LOL if they were crystal clear why didn t they hand it to the STL? LOL!

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LEBhasNOhope 14 February 2013, 21:19

Flamer- the STL asked for it and Hizb did not give it them because it is fake. The fottage was a different time than nasrallah claimed. At least thats my recollection of those events. If they are untrue, please correct me.

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peace 14 February 2013, 23:31

FT you d better check your infos... stl is still waiting for your pimps evidence...little fpm hooker

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allouchi 14 February 2013, 21:25

cedardefender, are for real ya hableh...!

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cedardefender 14 February 2013, 22:52

How can you at least half of lebanon?
Arent all the shiite united behind march 8 fellowed by most of the christians and partly within in the sunnis? That would lead to most off lebanon for!

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peace 14 February 2013, 23:33

"Arent all the shiite united behind march 8 " lol
take off hezbis arms and you ll see their chiaa support vanish away...

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lebanon_first 14 February 2013, 20:13

We may not agree with his policies. But his speech makes sense... I hope both M14 and M8 fail the elections, and an alliance of kataeb and centrists win. a 33% M14, 33% M8 33% centrists will do good for the country.

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cedardefender 14 February 2013, 20:15

If March 14 is so much against HA weapons which is not illegal according to lebanese law, how come they are creating militias in the north to fight HA? How come they a supporting salafist with links to Al-quada with weapons? 14 march is purely a weapon of the west.

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peace 14 February 2013, 20:27

when it s daytime in beirut how come it s night in japan?

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bigsami 14 February 2013, 21:08

lololololol.....now that is a funny fairytale!

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cedardefender 14 February 2013, 23:04

No, its fact little sami
If you want reply a least argue the versa instead writing a non sense reply, but well that shows your IQ. Where did all these weapon in tripoli come from? War cost a lot money, there is always a financier, HA has Iran and they admitted that!

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don4885 (Guest) 14 February 2013, 20:18

Good speech. His dad did rob lebanon though. The hariris steal then justify it by saying they are doing it in the nations interest. Then when you criticise them your called unpatriotic. Good formula.

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+ oua nabka + (Guest) 14 February 2013, 20:33

excellent , show your good faith and start by showing to all that you are serious about partnership and give the christians the rightfull representation and lets go easy not saadeldin

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peace 14 February 2013, 20:34

the fact that M8 supports hezbis weaponry is only the proof that they do not believe in the state of lebanon... they do not believe in a strong state but in tribes and mafias to protect their interests!!
if they were true patriots they d demand that ALL weapons go to the state like in any civilized country but M8 does not know the meaning of civilized...
now they whine how come some others get armed? it is obvious... as hezbis have the right to, then everyone has the right to it! why two standards? so they should NOT complain as it just fits their stupid logic! LOL

and hezbis is legal because there is a law? waw! it is easy to make a law legalizing anything... why not making drugs legal? easy just pass a law...
the only ones benefiting from hezbis arms are israel and iran... not lebanon as they just weaken the state and create division in the country therefore it does not benefit lebanon but only the interests of a few...

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bigsami 14 February 2013, 21:05

Peon....the only clown is on your avatar. Better yet...the FARSI servants that you and your followers belong to. What the ^&$%@!@ are you even doing here discussing Lebanon?

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bigsami 14 February 2013, 21:56

Not to mention Farsi fagblower aka Motormouth and new 2 cents whore lilpusslee (with that sophisticated foul mouth only known to come from HA peasants).

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Chupachups 14 February 2013, 23:02

FT ya haboul, whatever u think about Hezbollah one day u will be shocked and cry how u supported them all these years

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andre.jabbour 15 February 2013, 00:23

looser, underachiever.

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peace 15 February 2013, 01:05

FT just supports hezbis because his leader supports them... i wonder what he used to say when his leader treated them as terrorists.. i bet he spit on him at the time like he is spitting now on those who have the same position aoun had in the past...
no dignity that s all.

weak minded people just can t have a free will but are just followers... pityful sissy boy

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peace 14 February 2013, 23:44

leave them for the bible says "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven"

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helicopter 15 February 2013, 04:08

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