Preparations for the commemoration of the eighteenth anniversary of the martyrdom of President Rafik Hariri have intensified just one day before Tuesday, February 14. The "Future" movement is busy across its various regions to ensure the success of this occasion, which carries a special message this year, differing from previous commemorations due to the decision of President Saad Hariri to suspend political and parliamentary activity until further notice. Sources from "Future" confirm to "Nidaa Al-Watan" that preparations are underway on two main fronts: first, receiving President Hariri at the grave with a turnout worthy of the commemoration, affirming the message of political and popular presence despite the parliamentary absence; and secondly, at "Bayt Al-Wasat" to reinforce the continuation of the late president's journey and project, based on the sentiment that "the longer time passes, the greater the loss we see due to his assassination."
On the other hand, observers see this year's commemoration as implicitly bearing a decision to rally the "blue" base and revive its cadres and sectors to support in the face of the excruciating political, economic, and living crises that Lebanon is suffering under, and to insist on maintaining its presence after some have attempted to inherit part of its absence, especially during the parliamentary elections, or to suggest that its role has ended on the Lebanese scene.
In the corridors of political and familial salons, varied discussions are taking place regarding this year's commemoration, which conveys an additional message of indirect desire, without confrontation, to close the doors to any new polarization, especially following the consultative meetings held by Bahaa Hariri in Cyprus, where he hosted Lebanese figures from Beirut, Tripoli, and the north, without extending to Sidon for various reasons, including those related to "Aunt" Bahia Hariri.
In the birthplace, the city renewed its loyalty and love for the martyr president, where banners were raised in some plazas, streets, and neighborhoods through the initiative of some of its residents, affirming adherence to his approach and path, such as "Sidon will remain a fortress of loyalty to Rafik Hariri," "18 years and still in our hearts," "18 years... we miss you," "Martyr President Rafik Hariri... your approach and path will remain a witness for future generations," "18 years... we remain faithful to the pledge," "18 years... we do not forget," "Rafik Hariri, with you for a better world."
Bahia Hariri, the head of the "Hariri Foundation for Sustainable Human Development," continued to hold meetings at the Majdelyon residence with various sectors of the "Future" movement in Sidon and the south, with the attendance of the General Coordinator for the South, Mazen Hashish, and members of the office of the coordination. She emphasized the continuation of the late president's journey and project, stating: "President Saad Hariri's suspension of political work was not a suspension of public affairs; he has not, does not, and will not abandon the people. Even when we engaged in politics, we approached it solely from the perspective of our relationship and proximity to the people and our understanding of their pain from long ago, even before politics. The Hariri Foundation, which has been in existence for 43 years, has only worked for the benefit of the people. In all the exceptional circumstances the country has gone through, the foundation has been at the forefront in alleviating the burden of crises on the people. This was Rafik Hariri's message, and whether in his presence or absence, it will not change. We believe in the country and its role, and we will continue the journey alongside you. The important thing is that we do not lose hope in the country and the future, and God willing, the coming days will be better than those that have passed."
