Lebanese Labor Minister Mohammad Haidar stressed on Saturday that Lebanon’s independence is incomplete as long as the Israeli occupation continues.
In remarks during a tour to the southern cities of Sidon and Jezzine, on the 82nd anniversary of Lebanon’s independence from the French Mandate, Minister Haidar congratulated the Lebanese on the Independence Day.
“The Independence is incomplete as long as the Israeli occupation endures. However, thanks to martyrs and sacrifices by the Lebanese Army, the Lebanese will achieve the desired independence,” the minister who represents Hezbollah at the Lebanese cabinet told reporters in the southern city of Sidon, referring to the continuous Israeli attacks on Lebanon in violation of the November 2024 ceasefire.
Minister Haidar also paid tribute to martyrs who fell earlier this week during an Israeli strike on the Palestinian refugee camp of Ain Al-Hilwe in Sidon.
“This aggression is a clear message from the enemy to sow discord and terror in the region, but internal unity will remain an impenetrable barrier that will thwart the enemy’s scheme,” the minister added.
During the tour in Sidon, Minister Haidar visited the grave of former head of Hezbollah’s Media Relations Mohammad Afif, who was martyred during Last year’s Israeli war on Lebanon, at Lady Zahra Complex.
The minister also met the city’s Jaafari Mufti Sheikh Mohammad Osseiran, Mufti of Sidon and nearby districts Sheikh Salim Sousan, Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Sidon and Marjeyoun Elias Kfoury and Head of Maronite Catholic Eparchy of Sidon Bishop Maroun Ammar.
Lebanon’s Independence Day is celebrated annually on November 22nd to commemorate the nation’s full independence from the French Mandate in 1943. This day marks the end of French control and is a national holiday, marked by military parades, official ceremonies, and celebrations across the country.
Source: Al-Manar English Website
