Saad Hariri announces his political comeback by reviving the Future Movement party and re-entering elections, marking his return at a rally in Beirut on the anniversary of his father’s assassination. He emphasizes unity and support for national security, regional stability, and a reform agenda, while criticizing external influences and aggression. The rally serves as a tribute to Rafik Hariri’s impact on Lebanon’s recovery after civil war.
Former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced his political comeback at a rally in Martyrs’ Square, Beirut, marking the 20th anniversary of his father, Rafik Hariri’s assassination. Hariri stated that he would revive the Future Movement party and participate in elections, reversing his previous decision to withdraw from politics made in 2022 amid concerns over Iranian influence and institutional decay in Lebanon.
In his speech, Hariri positioned himself as a figure of unity, stating, “We return not to repeat mistakes but to rebuild Lebanon with state authority, Arab partnerships, and peace.” He expressed his support for President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s reform agenda, aligning his vision with the need for stability amidst regional transitions.
Hariri’s comeback is partly inspired by the evolving political landscape in the Middle East, particularly Syria’s impending leadership transition in 2024. He emphasized Syria’s stability through collaborative state relations and criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for perpetuating conflict to maintain territorial occupation.
At the rally, he reiterated his commitment to UN Resolution 1701, which calls for Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanese territories. Hariri urged Hezbollah’s strongholds to support state security, asserting that “Only the army can protect all Lebanese,” highlighting the importance of a unified national defense.
The event honored Rafik Hariri’s legacy, a key Sunni political leader who played a crucial role in Lebanon’s recovery after the civil war. A UN tribunal convicted a Hezbollah member for the assassination, yet it found no evidence implicating group leadership, a ruling Hezbollah dismissed as being politically motivated.
Saad Hariri’s political resurrection marks a significant shift in Lebanese politics, focusing on unity, security, and reforms. His support for regional stability and commitment to UN resolutions underscores the challenges ahead for Lebanon as he steps back into a political landscape shaped by internal and external pressures. The rally showcased both his father’s legacy and Hariri’s vision for Lebanon’s future amidst ongoing instability.
Original Source: www.chinadailyhk.com
