Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri marked Lebanon’s 82nd Independence Day with a message asserting that independence is “a daily test” for the people, the army, and all state institutions. He stressed that true sovereignty requires resisting dependency, supporting the army, and rejecting campaigns that undermine its role.

Berri said the real test today lies in the south, where residents embody unity, sacrifice, and steadfastness amid ongoing Israeli aggression. He urged full commitment to reconstruction and protecting civilians, affirming that southern resilience—alongside the army—forms “the essence of real independence.”

He concluded with a tribute to all martyrs and the steadfast people of the border villages.