Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati emphasized that "independence was truly achieved when the Lebanese stood up for their constitution and national pact. Thus, after eighty years during which the nation has endured many severe hardships, the commitment to the constitution that governs our political life, and the steadfastness to the covenant of shared living that safeguards our national existence, remain the only way to renew independence." He reiterated "the call for the urgent election of a new president to restore the order of life to the weary state." He also called for unity around the army and preservation of its presence and institution, as well as all security forces, which he commended for their role in maintaining the safety of the nation and its citizens.
The Prime Minister spoke during his patronage of the Independence Day celebration and the announcement of the opening of the Independence Museum at the Independence Castle in Rashaya al-Wadi. On this occasion, the Prime Minister delivered the following address: "We commemorate the eighty years of independence, while our nation faces fierce internal and external storms, reflected in its political and economic crises, the burden of displacement weighing down on its cities and villages, and the ongoing Israeli aggression against the nearby south and Gaza, which resides in every living conscience and noble human conscience. However, the Lebanese, as a government and a people, despite all circumstances, are determined to commemorate their independence, out of their belief in what it signifies in terms of freedom, sovereignty, and national unity, and what it instills in their souls of hope for a better tomorrow, God willing."
He added: "Because a deep reflection on history is akin to digging deep foundations in the ground to build upon them a structure that touches the sky, we recall in this castle, steeped in the history of independence, the events of November 1943, which were ignited by the Lebanese's adherence to their amended constitution, after the texts concerning the mandate were removed, to discover that the battle for independence would not have borne fruit without the unity of citizens behind their state led by Presidents Beshara al-Khuri and Riad al-Solh, may they rest in peace, who were imprisoned by the mandate and brought along with other figures of independence to the Rashaya Castle, under the impression that their captivity would extinguish the national movement, both popular and official, calling for freedom. Yet, the revolution that erupted in Beirut, Tripoli, and other areas, with citizens’ voices echoing in unison: 'We want Beshara, we want Riad', and the unity of the people across all its categories around the Bashamoun government—all that… together… led to the realization of the desired independence."
He continued: "Independence was truly achieved when the Lebanese triumphed in their commitment to their constitution and national pact. Thus, after eighty years during which the nation has faced many severe hardships, the commitment to the constitution that regulates our political life and adherence to the covenant of shared living that guards our national existence remains the only way to renew independence. This requires us to pursue two things: to always strive to preserve the state as a body and institutions, and to continuously seek common grounds that ensure the best climate for nurturing citizenship. As for the state, experiences have proven that it is the only unifying haven for the Lebanese, so we must not compromise the work of its institutions or its obligations, especially regarding the presidency that has seen more than a year of vacancy. It would have been appropriate for us to hold a majestic celebration of independence, as is customary every year, were it not for the vacancy in the presidency."
From here, we renew the call for the urgent election of a new president to restore the order of life to the weary state. We also reiterate the call for unity around the army, preserving its presence and institution, just as we salute all security forces for the role they play in maintaining the safety of the nation and its citizens."
He stated: "In lieu of the traditional military parade on Independence Day, a military aggression continues on our southern borders, ignited by Israel, which has not yet exhausted its destructive machinery from the flesh of children and the blood of women and the sighs of the elderly in wounded Gaza. Here, I repeat what I said at the Arab-Islamic summit a few days ago: we are a people who want peace and love a culture of peace. But we will not accept violations of our sovereignty and attacks on our rights; otherwise, what is the meaning of independence?"
He continued: "The international community must deter Israel from its aggression and blatant violation of international charters and resolutions and human rights, and from its continuation of committing massacres and acts of genocide, the latest being the assassination of journalists Rabi Maamari and Farah Omar yesterday, and before them the martyr photographer Issam Abdullah, and this international community must take the initiative to find a political solution that leads to granting the Palestinians their full, undisputed rights in their independent state with its capital Jerusalem."
He added: "Independence is not just a commemoration, but a reality that is lived every day. Perhaps the Independence Museum, under your patronage, Lady Mona Riad al-Solh, will reflect living independence as our nation desires it and as we want it for ourselves.
On this glorious occasion, I must once again extend my esteemed salute to the army, its leadership, officers, and soldiers. This institution is the bastion of the homeland and the protector of independence, and it fills our hearts with pride and assures our souls about the present and future."
Mikati concluded: "General Joseph Aoun, dear brother, your efforts and paternal care, of which I have witnessed, have sheltered the military institution and preserved it from storms, and this is appreciated by all of us, ensuring the continuity of stability in the army and its role. Long live the memory of independence, year after year, and long live Lebanon."
