Ahmad Hariri commemorates the 20th anniversary of Rafik Hariri’s assassination alongside hopes for Assad’s regime collapse. He highlights the importance of the new government addressing challenges, particularly Israeli activities and economic crises. Hariri emphasizes Türkiye’s diplomatic role and advocates for national unity amidst geopolitical shifts.
Ahmad Hariri, secretary-general of Lebanon’s Future Movement, marked the 20th anniversary of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri’s assassination while highlighting recent geopolitical shifts, particularly the potential fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria. He noted that this year’s commemoration aligns with local and regional challenges, such as the need for Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
Rafik Hariri was killed in a truck bomb explosion in Beirut in 2005, alongside 21 others, including Economy Minister Bassel Fleihan. While a tribunal convicted a Hezbollah member for the murder, the group denies involvement, claiming the tribunal aimed to frame them and discredit their organization.
Ahmad Hariri asserted Rafik Hariri’s dedication to state-building and leadership unity, emphasizing the importance of achieving national stability for the Lebanese populace. He mentioned that many Lebanese people will commemorate not only Hariri’s legacy but also Assad’s impending downfall.
He further stated that the Future Movement remains active despite Saad Hariri’s political pause in 2022, continuing to engage with the public without official governmental participation. Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri plans to address current regional dynamics and future strategies in an upcoming speech.
Commenting on the new administration formed under Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Hariri highlighted the need for it to demonstrate effective governance and highlighted the challenges it would face—including Israeli military operations and the complexities surrounding Palestinian displacement from Gaza.
On the Lebanese economic crisis, Hariri acknowledged significant struggles faced by citizens and urged a reassessment of Hezbollah’s military role and its relationship with Iran, questioning if their armed presence continues to benefit Lebanon. He criticized Iran’s disruptive influence in the region, particularly regarding Syria.
Hariri praised Türkiye’s diplomatic stance and President Erdoğan’s role in addressing the Syrian crisis, noting that while Turkey took a reconciliatory approach, it has shifted strategy due to Assad’s failures. He also contrasted Turkey’s cohesive support for Palestine with Iran’s divisive tactics.
Ahmad Hariri emphasizes the significance of Rafik Hariri’s legacy while underscoring the ongoing internal and external challenges faced by Lebanon, particularly regarding governance and foreign influences. Despite setbacks, there’s a call for unity and collective efforts, particularly with Turkey’s involvement in regional stability. Examining the roles of both Hezbollah and Iranian influence remains crucial as Lebanon navigates its political landscape ahead.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
