Lebanon Marks 25th Anniversary of Liberation Day with Calls for Unity, Sovereignty, and Reconstruction

Al Manar

2 days ago

On the 25th anniversary of Lebanon's Resistance and Liberation Day, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri honored those who answered the nation's call a quarter-century ago, sacrificing their lives in steadfast resistance to defend Lebanon's sovereignty.
Berri paid tribute to all resistance fighters and martyrs who chose to give their lives at pivotal moments, their sacrifices culminating in the defeat of Israeli aggression, safeguarding Lebanon's sovereignty, and reclaiming most of the occupied territories.
'Their collective efforts established May 25, 2000, as a historic day of victory and liberation for the nation,' Berri asserted.
Highlighting that true liberation demands loyalty, resilience, and development, Berri expressed deep gratitude to those who embraced this call, successfully fulfilling a critical national and constitutional milestone. He praised the people of southern Lebanon for their recent civil achievements, which stand as a testament to progress built on the foundation of the 2000 liberation.
'The Lebanese are not only heroes in resistance but also exemplars of democracy.'
He concluded by thanking the people of the south for their unwavering steadfastness and commitment to development and loyalty, affirming that 'all national rights remain secured, and Lebanon and its people are well.'
PM Nawaf Salam Affirms Commitment to Full Sovereignty, Reconstruction
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam marked the occasion by reiterating that the celebration is incomplete until all Lebanese territories are fully liberated from Israeli occupation.
In a statement on social media, Salam reaffirmed the government's commitment, as outlined in its ministerial declaration, to take all necessary measures to liberate Lebanese land from Israeli occupation and extend state sovereignty across all territories, relying on Lebanon's own capabilities in accordance with the Taif Agreement.
يأتي عيد التحرير وفرحتنا لن تكتمل ما لم تحرر كامل اراضينا من الاحتلال الاسرائيلي. وبهذه المناسبة أعود واؤكد التزام الحكومة في بيانها الوزاري بالثوابت التالية: – وجوب إتخاذ الإجراءات اللازمة كافة لتحرير جميع الأراضي اللبنانيّة من الاحتلال الإسرائيلي وبسط سيادة الدولة على جميع…
— Nawaf Salam نواف سلام (@nawafasalam) May 25, 2025
Salam also emphasized Lebanon's right to self-defense under the United Nations Charter should any aggression occur. Additionally, Salam stressed the importance of mobilizing Arab and international support to rebuild areas devastated by Israeli attacks.
Sheikh Ali Al-Khatib Praises Southern Voters' National Responsibility
Deputy Head of Lebanon's Higher Islamic Shiite Council, Sheikh Ali Al-Khatib, expressed satisfaction with the electoral process in southern Lebanon, commending the people's national resolve despite the harsh conditions imposed by relentless Israeli aggression.
His Eminence saluted southern communities for their daily affirmation of attachment to their land and readiness to defend it, regardless of the enemy's brutality.
'Despite failures by the authorities to fulfill their national duties, southern voters demonstrated resilience and defied occupation by participating in elections, undeterred by pressure, intimidation, or siege.'
Sheikh Al-Khatib concluded by saluting 'everyone who contributed to the achievement of this achievement, from officials, employees, and citizens. He also saluted all the martyrs and mujahideen who achieved the victory of May 25, 2000.'
General Ibrahim Calls for National Reconstruction as True Liberation
Lebanon's Former General Security Chief, Major General Abbas Ibrahim, commemorated Lebanon's Liberation Day as 'one of the noblest chapters of dignity and sacrifice.'
In a post on 'X', he lamented the heavy losses and destruction caused by recent intense warfare that engulfed the country, with Israeli occupation persisting over certain Lebanese stances.
في #ذكرى_التحرير في الخامس والعشرين من أيار العام 2000، نستحضر احدى أنبل محطات العزّ والتضحيات والكرامة الوطنية. ولكن هذه الذكرى تحل هذا العام مثقلة بالخسائر بعد حرب شرسة امتدت من أقصى الوطن إلى أقصاه. نستقبل هذا العيد وقلوبنا دامية على من فقدنا وعلى بلدات أحرقتها النيران، فيما… pic.twitter.com/QbdgUj3VeZ
— اللواء عباس إبراهيم (@MGAbbasIbrahim) May 25, 2025
General Ibrahim stressed that this anniversary is not only a time for celebration but also a critical call to prioritize the reconstruction of the south and all affected areas through a clear national plan. He emphasized that true liberation means rebuilding the land for its rightful owners and reaffirming national sovereignty.
'The people of the south resisted not just for their region but for all Lebanon,' Ibrahim noted, underscoring that protecting the land and rebuilding what was destroyed is a collective national responsibility that cannot be delayed.
Despite ongoing pain, he expressed hope for a just state that unites all Lebanese around their rights and recognizes that every inch of Lebanese soil is a sacred trust.
'What was lost can be restored when wills unite and the national interest prevails,' General Abbas concluded.