VIDEO: Hariri marks father's death anniversary with sharp message to Assad
On the anniversary of his father Rafic Hariri’s assassination, former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri declared his return to political life and commitment to participating in upcoming electoral processes.
In his address to supporters, Hariri emphasized that his political party, the Future Movement, would continue to be their voice in Lebanon's future challenges, stating: “This movement, Future Movement, and this audience, Rafic Hariri’s audience, will remain here with you, and will be your voice in all national commitments and upcoming milestones.”
Hariri also spoke about Lebanon’s ongoing crises and the need for solutions, acknowledging his party's role in the struggles faced by the country. He referred to his previous decision to step down, stating, “We have faced major crises, and while we did not shy away from acknowledging part of the responsibility, we stepped back, allowing more than three years for change, but the problems only worsened.”
Regarding the recent 'Israeli' aggression, Hariri expressed solidarity with the victims, saying, “As I bow before the martyrs from the south, Bekaa, Beirut, and all regions, I raise my head in solidarity with the people who opened their homes to the displaced and showed that Lebanon is one, and the Lebanese are one body.”
On Lebanon’s economic recovery, he stressed that addressing the crisis is a collective responsibility, urging efforts to rebuild the country’s infrastructure and restore livelihoods in all regions.
Hariri slams ousted Bashar al-Assad
He further expressed support for Syria, reaffirming Lebanon’s desire for strong relations with its neighbor based on mutual respect for sovereignty and independence.
In a pointed message, Hariri also addressed the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria. He reflected on the past and the efforts made to seek justice: "Twenty years ago, in this very square, you demanded justice, and with your will, you expelled the criminal regime of Bashar al-Assad from Lebanon," Hariri stated.
He added, "After twenty years, and thirty more years of sectarian rule, suffering, injustice, murder, arrest, torture, and brutality, the Syrian people rose up and expelled the criminal from Syria. Perhaps this is the beginning of justice, or perhaps it is its end."
Hariri also expressed his support for the will of the Syrian people, their stability, and reconstruction efforts, emphasizing the desire for the best relations between both countries: "We support the will of the Syrians, the stability of Syria, and its reconstruction, and we seek the best relations based on full respect for sovereignty and independence, as repeatedly stated by the new Syrian leadership."
Hariri ended his speech by highlighting the “golden opportunity” Lebanon now has, with a new president and government, and vowed to support this new phase, calling on all Lebanese to participate in this national effort.
