The following is President Michel Aoun's address to the nation on the first anniversary of Beirut port blast:
“My fellow Lebanese ladies and gentlemen,
On the eve of the painful anniversary of the Beirut port blast, I pay tribute to the soul of every martyr who fell in this tremendous tragedy, I sympathize with every wounded and injured, and with every person who has lost a dearly beloved or a relative, a house or a property, and I bow before the resilience of a nation, in front of which all misfortunes have gathered. From the bottom of my heart, I say to our beloved capital Beirut: the truth shall come out, and every culprit shall be duly punished and you shall rise again.
Last August 4, we were struck by an unprecedented earthquake in the history of Lebanon.
The face of Beirut was in flames, many hearts were shattered and many innocent lives were lost. They should never have fallen if it weren’t for an accumulation of negligence and responsibilities throughout the years, at various levels, of officials who could have taken practical measures to eliminate the danger of the substances that led to this disaster.
I feel the pain of the parents and friends who lost their loved ones in this blast and I am one of those who lost a dearly beloved on that day.
I feel their legitimate anger, their deep bitterness and their pain which will only be exacerbated by days if they do not sense, in words and deeds, and through practical measures, that accountability has begun and that trials are punishing those who were involved, deliberately or due to their negligence, in causing the blast.
I therefore say it loud and clear, for the open wounds of the Lebanese, and for the sake of History:
Yes for an impartial and bold investigation leading to fair trials.
Yes for a strong Judiciary that does not back off before any person with authority, no matter how high they rank, and does not fear immunities and protections, in order to serve justice and hold accountable those who caused this explosion.
The Judiciary must go all the way in investigation and trials. I am with it and by its side, till facts are unveiled and justice is served. When the head of the State puts himself at the disposal of justice to make his deposition, there is no excuse for anyone to grant themselves any immunity or arm themselves with any argument, be it legal or political, in order not to provide the investigation with all the required information to help it reach its goal.
How can we act differently while our martyrs are calling out on our conscience, and while all the world’s eyes are staring at us? The challenge that the judicial investigator - and later on the Judiciary - is facing is to unveil the truth, conduct the trials and render a fair judgment within a reasonable timeframe, because a late justice is no justice at all.
As I abide by the Constitution and respect the separation of powers, I see no reason that prevents the judicial investigator from interrogating anyone he deems useful for the probe, especially that a fair trial does not unjustly indict an innocent nor does it acquit a culprit. It is therefore appropriate to let the investigation take its course, without any strains from wherever they may come…
My pledge to the parents of the martyrs, on the eve of this painful anniversary, is that the blood that was shed on that fateful day will not go to waste, and that truth is coming, coupled with a fair retribution for every person as deserved. Let the commemoration tomorrow be a milestone to remember the martyrs, the injured and the displaced, serenely, responsibly and wisely, away from any act that could be misused to jeopardize security and stability and undermine the meanings of this tragic anniversary.
My fellow Lebanese ladies and gentlemen,
I know that you have long waited for a new government. Today, with the designation of a new Prime Minister, we have a chance to form it. How I wish to have the formation decrees issued as soon as possible! But I give you my word that I am striving, hand in hand with the Prime Minister-designate, according to the requirements of the Constitution, to overcome all the obstacles that hamper the formation of a salvation government which is capable, with the expertise, competence and integrity of its members, to implement the required and known reform program.
My dearly beloved,
You all feel - and I do too - that the economic and financial collapse of the past two years, with all its repercussions on livelihood, subsistence, social setting, psychological health and security, threatens of the collapse of the Lebanese State with all its components, institutions, role and existence.
The explosion of the 4th of August has sharpened this feeling and added to its bitterness and painfulness.
Today, I stand before you as siblings, children, friends and families, and as long-standing and resilient people, to affirm to you that a new dawn puts an end to sufferings, and that, together, thanks to our cooperation and patience, and by placing the solution mechanisms on the right track, by forming a promising government and preparing for parliamentary elections that sow the seeds of true change, we are capable of overcoming the painful present, and rising gradually from the crisis that has torn apart our nation, our hearts and our lives.
Yes, we are capable of rising… Hope was never the synonym of illusion, when it is associated with awareness, diligence, solidarity and resolve.
Let us hold on to our unity and open a new page that re-places Lebanon on the map of innovation, growth and competition, and restores to our youth their hope in their nation and the desire to stay in it, making it again the country of civilization, joy and creation.
Long live Lebanon!”
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