On the 81st Independence Day in Lebanon, well-wishes have been expressed by various political figures and foreign embassies.
Locally, Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai highlighted the dual grief felt by Lebanese citizens—amidst war and governance turmoil, emphasizing the need for collective will to face the nation's crises. He stressed that true independence hinges on unity, calling Lebanon a beacon of cultural harmony and human dialogue. Al-Rahi urged all Lebanese to renew faith in their nation and each other, despite political and sectarian divides.
Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri remarked that “Independence is a responsibility shared by all Lebanese, transcending political allegiances, partisan calculations, and sectarian affiliations.”
“After 81 years, achieving genuine independence in all aspects has become imperative. This necessitates prioritizing Lebanon, supporting the state and its legitimate institutions,” emphasized Hariri.
Caretaker Interior Minister, Judge Bassam Mawlawi, emphasized that through national unity and collaborative efforts in state-building and legal adherence, Lebanon is shielded. "By upholding legitimacy, we defend sovereignty and attain security. Together, we foster the growth of Lebanon and revive the spirit of independence," he stated.
Head of the Progressive Socialist Party MP Teymour Joumblatt saluted those who have sacrificed for Lebanon's independence, emphasizing the need to prioritize national interests over external influences and fortify the country against threats.
“We firmly believe that the nation belongs to all its citizens, without exception, in their diversity and collective sacrifices. It is time to prioritize Lebanon's interests over external ones, make independence genuine, and fortify the country against all threats,” he said.
Lebanese Forces Party leader Samir Geagea asserted that independence “will prevail, even if delayed.”
The Internal Security Forces (ISF) extended warm wishes to the Lebanese people, expressing hope in overcoming challenges and reaffirming faith in Lebanon's resilience and enduring independence.
For his part, MP Ragy el-Saad wrote on X, “Independence remains… and will rise from beneath the rubble.” As for LF MP Pierre Bou Assi, he wrote, “Independence is a daily challenge that we will pursue every day until it is achieved…”
Former FPM member MP Ibrahim Kanaan stressed the necessity of genuine independence, free from foreign agendas and internal conflicts that have crippled Lebanon.
Embassies in Lebanon
On the international scene, the Italian embassy in Lebanon renewed its “call for a ceasefire putting an end to Lebanon's suffering,” emphasizing the urgency of electing a president for a brighter future.
The US embassy reaffirmed its “long friendship with the Lebanese people and our determination to work alongside them to create a bright, peaceful, and prosperous Lebanon.”
UNSCOL Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis, praised the Lebanese people, affirming their right to enduring security and stability as the foundation for recovery, reconstruction, and progress.
For its part, the German embassy in Lebanon shared on the X platform, “May the cedar tree stand tall forever, a symbol of strength and resilience.”
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