Saniora on March 14 Anniversary: Our Hand is Extended to the Other Only under State's Authority
Head of the Mustaqbal bloc MP Fouad Saniora stressed on Friday that the March 14 forces will remain committed to the authority of the state throughout all of its endeavors, while highlighting the values of democracy and dialogue.
He said: “Our hand is extended to the other camp only under the authority of the state.”
He made his remarks in a speech during the March 14 camp's commemoration of the ninth anniversary of the “Independence Uprising” at the BIEL exhibition center in Beirut.
“Nine years ago, the Lebanese people did not hesitate in resisting oppression,” he said.
“Lebanon will remain and tyrants will be defeated,” he added.
"Lebanon will remain through its civil peace and mutual coexistence, while the criminals' days are numbered," said the former premier.
“On this day, we remember our martyrs, starting with former Premier Rafik Hariri and ending with Minister Mohammed Chatah,” Saniora continued.
“We all share the same fate and we are bound by the same system of rule,” he said, while denouncing Sunni and Shiite fundamentalism.
Commenting on claims of division among the March 14 ranks, the MP stated: “We may have different approaches, but our ranks will not be divided. Coexistence and democracy bind us.”
Moreover, he explained: “Despite the hardships, we never wielded weapons against the other.”
“We reject violence and will remain committed to dialogue. Our hand will remain extended to the other,” he stressed in reference to the rival March 8 camp, led by Hizbullah.
Addressing Hizbullah's involvement in the conflict in Syria, Saniora urged the party to withdraw its fighters to spare the Lebanese people further misery.
“Those who liberated the South should not get embroiled in battles that they have nothing to do with,” he declared, while emphasizing the need to respect the Baabda Declaration.
"We will resist Israel through all legitimate means," he stated.
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