Mouawad Urges Lebanese in Australia to Vote in 2013: Iranian Hegemony Replacing Syrian Hegemony
Independence Movement leader Michel Mouawad on Sunday warned that “there is an attempt in Lebanon to replace the Syrian hegemony with an Iranian hegemony,” urging Lebanese expatriates in Australia to vote heavily in the 2013 parliamentary elections.
“Although the threat of the Syrian regime has not ended, it cannot change the equation in Lebanon anymore,” Mouawad said during a meeting with members of the Lebanese community in Australia.
Mouawad noted that “the real threat that has started to emerge is the Iranian regime, which wants to make up for its losses in Syria and Palestine by seizing full control of Lebanon at any cost.”
The March 14 leader added that his political camp is in the middle of a major confrontation.
“This confrontation is clear to everyone as there is an endeavor to turn Lebanon into a veiled dictatorship that reins in free voices. As if (journalist and March 14 activist) Nadim Qteish is paving the ground for strife in Lebanon, while those who assassinated (Intelligence Bureau chief Maj. Gen.) Wissam al-Hasan … are not stirring strife,” Mouawad added.
“The latest assassination has awakened us to realize that March 14 can only win the battle when it is unified, because the Cedar Revolution is not only the policies of certain parties and forces, but also the cause of a nation. It is about sovereignty and democracy, it is the face of pluralism and moderation and it transcends sects,” Mouawad stressed.
The March 14 leader described the latest political document issued by the March 14 forces as “a roadmap for elections, for forming a clear parliamentary majority and then a government that confronts anyone who stands against the Lebanese state's sovereignty.”
“We don't have a problem with anyone, except with those who are against sovereignty,” Mouawad added.
He called on Lebanese emigrants to heavily register for the upcoming elections at the Lebanese consulates and to shoulder their responsibility, “because Lebanon needs its expatriates, especially those in Australia which is a strategic stronghold for the battle for sovereignty in Lebanon.”
“The upcoming vote is the most important vote in Lebanon's modern history. To be or not to be. We should win the majority in the upcoming elections and regain the country from (Syrian President Bashar) Assad and (Iranian President Mahmoud) Ahmadinejad,” Mouawad added.
“The forces that are assassinating our leaders and assassinating freedom and democracy in Lebanon are the same forces that are seeking to prevent emigrants from voting, because they cannot intimidate emigrants through weapons or pressure and because emigrants are not in need for jobs and help from anyone, that's why your participation is the guarantee for freedom and independence in Lebanon,” Mouawad went on to say, addressing the Lebanese expatriates.
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