President Joseph Aoun said that on this day in 2000, "South Lebanon wrote an unprecedented chapter when the Israeli occupation withdrew as a result of the steadfastness and sacrifices of the people of this land, making May 25 a day of national dignity."
Aoun noted, however, that this year’s Liberation Day comes as Lebanon continues to suffer from ongoing Israeli attacks, while several southern villages remain under renewed occupation "in blatant violation of international resolutions, foremost among them UN Resolution 1701."
He stressed that Lebanon "will not accept this reality nor come to terms with it," affirming that achieving a full Israeli withdrawal remains a constant national demand with no compromise. He added that the Lebanese state is pursuing this goal through negotiations, "which will not be a concession or surrender, but rather a reaffirmation of Lebanon’s exclusive right to protect its land, sovereignty, and authority through its army and legitimate security forces."
The president emphasized that the Lebanese Army will remain "the sole guarantor of national security and territorial integrity," praising the solidarity of the Lebanese people and their support for the state’s sovereign decisions.
Aoun also paid tribute to those who "liberated the south with their blood, including soldiers and resistance fighters," saying they deserve a strong and united state built on legitimate civil and military institutions and equal laws for all citizens.
He concluded by saying that the greatest way to honor Liberation Day is "to build a state that serves as a fortress for all Lebanese," adding that the liberation of southern Lebanon remains a responsibility of the state, backed by its people, and "a choice with no alternative."
Aoun noted, however, that this year’s Liberation Day comes as Lebanon continues to suffer from ongoing Israeli attacks, while several southern villages remain under renewed occupation "in blatant violation of international resolutions, foremost among them UN Resolution 1701."
He stressed that Lebanon "will not accept this reality nor come to terms with it," affirming that achieving a full Israeli withdrawal remains a constant national demand with no compromise. He added that the Lebanese state is pursuing this goal through negotiations, "which will not be a concession or surrender, but rather a reaffirmation of Lebanon’s exclusive right to protect its land, sovereignty, and authority through its army and legitimate security forces."
The president emphasized that the Lebanese Army will remain "the sole guarantor of national security and territorial integrity," praising the solidarity of the Lebanese people and their support for the state’s sovereign decisions.
Aoun also paid tribute to those who "liberated the south with their blood, including soldiers and resistance fighters," saying they deserve a strong and united state built on legitimate civil and military institutions and equal laws for all citizens.
He concluded by saying that the greatest way to honor Liberation Day is "to build a state that serves as a fortress for all Lebanese," adding that the liberation of southern Lebanon remains a responsibility of the state, backed by its people, and "a choice with no alternative."
