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Al Manar
3 days ago
- Politics
- Al Manar
Lebanon Marks 25th Anniversary of Liberation Day with Calls for Unity, Sovereignty, and Reconstruction
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… — 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.
Asharq Al-Awsat
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Lebanon: Aoun Says No Solution for Israel's Violations Except Through Diplomacy
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reiterated commitment to dialogue to address Lebanon's long-standing dispute with Israel's violation and occupation in south Lebanon, saying that it can only be addressed through 'diplomacy'. He reiterated "the importance of diplomatic solutions in resolving conflicts, as the Lebanese people have grown weary of wars', a Presidency statement quoted Aoun as saying on Friday. Aoun's remarks come amid support from the Higher Islamic Shiite Council for the his approach to addressing the issue of Hezbollah's arms through dialogue. 'Diplomatic efforts may not yield immediate results, but we are working daily with international parties, away from the media spotlight, to achieve the desired outcome', said Aoun during his visit to the Economic, Social and Environmental Council. The Lebanese president's comments come amid heated political debate over the future of Hezbollah's weapons and the call to centralize arms under state authority. Last week, Aoun reiterated his determination to make sure the state has a monopoly over weapons. Aoun's strategy to address the issue of Hezbollah's arms garnered the support of the Higher Islamic Shiite Council. 'Let the issue be addressed through calm dialogue away from media and political exploitations. Let the decision be a unifying national one away from submissions to external demands', said Sheikh Ali al-Khatib, vice-president of the Higher Shiite Council. Aoun had earlier reaffirmed that communication between the presidency and Hezbollah remains active, with tangible results on the ground. He also highlighted that he and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri are in agreement on all matters, particularly the goal of placing weapons solely under the control of the state. Disarming Hezbollah has emerged as a key condition in ongoing discussions surrounding Israel's potential withdrawal from the remaining five disputed points it occupies in southern Lebanon. Israeli officials have linked any pullout to assurances that Hezbollah's military presence near the border will be curbed, citing security concerns. For its part, Lebanon maintains that full Israeli withdrawal is a prerequisite for lasting stability, but internal divisions over Hezbollah's role complicate negotiations. While President Joseph Aoun and others advocate for addressing the group's arms through national dialogue, critics warn that tying disarmament to Israeli withdrawal risks prolonging the deadlock.
Al Manar
18-04-2025
- Politics
- Al Manar
Sheikh Al-Khatib to Al-Manar: Resistance Is Lebanon's Shield; National Defense Strategy No Longer Optional
Deputy Head of Lebanon's Higher Islamic Shiite Council, Sheikh Ali Al-Khatib, affirmed that the resistance has adhered to UN Security Council Resolution 1701, a fact confirmed by the Lebanese Cabinet. His Eminence warned that the continuation of Israeli aggressions undermines stability in Lebanon, asking, 'Will the Lebanese people accept this reality?' In an interview with Al-Manar TV on Thursday evening, Sheikh Al-Khatib stated, 'As long as the Lebanese state fails to carry out its duties in liberating occupied land and deterring aggression, the resistance's arms remain justified.' He stressed that the resistance took up arms solely to deter Israeli aggression, noting that 'the decision regarding resistance weapons ultimately belongs to the people.' Sheikh Al-Khatib stressed that 'as long as sectarian mindsets prevail, building a real state and approaching matters with realism will remain out of reach.' He added that all forces attempting to pressure the Lebanese state 'are not interested in Lebanon's stability.' His Eminence held the state accountable for its responsibilities, particularly in reconstruction efforts, stating, 'Those calling for the disarmament of the resistance are not seeking a strong state. They are prepared to ignite civil war but unwilling to confront the real enemy.' Underscoring the importance of a comprehensive defense strategy, Sheikh Al-Khatib said such a strategy must be rooted in Lebanon's national interest and built through dialogue with the resistance. He reaffirmed that the resistance defends all of Lebanon and its people, while others have borne arms to serve foreign agendas. Additionally, Sheikh Al-Khatib emphasized that 'if the Shiite community is defeated, Lebanon as a whole is defeated,' asserting that the community stands in defense of all Lebanese. He pointed to the recent massive funerals of Hezbollah Secretaries General Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah and Sayyed Hashem Safieddine as a powerful response to narratives claiming the Shiite community is weakened.
MTV Lebanon
03-04-2025
- Politics
- MTV Lebanon
Al-Khatib broaches developments with Defense Minister, receives PSP's Secretary General
Deputy Head of the Higher Islamic Shiite Council, Sheikh Ali Al-Khatib, received at the Council's headquarters in Hazmieh, Minister of National Defense Michel Menassa who extended Eid al-Fitr greetings. The pair held a tour d'horizon on the latest developments, particularly the situation in the south and the ongoing Israeli aggression against Lebanon. Sheikh Al-Khatib also received the Secretary General of the Progressive Socialist Party Zafer Nasser, who offered Eid al-Adha greetings. During the meeting, they discussed the horizons for the next phase.
National News
03-04-2025
- Politics
- National News
Sheikh Al-Khatib broaches developments with National Defense Minister, receives PSP's Secretary General Nasser
NNA - Deputy Head of the Higher Islamic Shiite Council, Sheikh Ali Al-Khatib, on Thursday received at the Council's headquarters in Hazmieh, Minister of National Defense, Michel Menassa, who extended Eid al-Fitr greetings. The pair held a tour d'horizon on the latest developments, particularly the situation in the south and the ongoing Israeli aggression against Lebanon. Sheikh Al-Khatib also received the Secretary General of the Progressive Socialist Party, Dhafer Nasser, who offered Eid al-Adha greetings. During the meeting, they discussed the horizons for the next phase.
