Speaker of Lebanon’s Parliament Nabih Berri called on Monday for an immediate end to hate speech, stressing on Resistance and Liberation Day the need for unity, sacrifice, and steadfastness in defending Lebanon’s land, sovereignty, and freedom against any aggressor or occupier.
In a statement marking the 26th anniversary of southern Lebanon’s liberation, Berri said this year’s May 25 commemoration comes amid a prolonged Israeli aggression now entering its third year.
“Since February, the assault has escalated into a campaign of widespread destruction targeting all aspects of life in southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and Beirut’s southern suburbs (Dahiyeh).”
In this context, he recalled his post-liberation warnings in 2000, reiterating that “Israel, driven from our land, would not hesitate to exact revenge.”
The Lebanese speaker underscored that Lebanon had set a lasting example in dignity, unity, and sacrifice in confronting an enemy “that knows only killing, destruction, and forced displacement.”
Israeli Media: Hezbollah's Resilience in Weeks of Fierce Fighting Has Turned Our Soldiers to Be Like "Sitting Ducks in a Shooting Range" pic.twitter.com/WuQ8YtWhiW
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He added that this year’s anniversary coincides with the eve of Eid Al-Adha, a moment of national convergence in faith and solidarity across Lebanon’s diverse society. It also aligns with Pope Leo XIV’s authorizing beatification of Patriarch Elias Hoayek, honoring his role in shaping Lebanon’s unified identity and his humanitarian efforts in sheltering the displaced during World War I.
Speaker Berri called on Lebanese to draw inspiration from this national occasion by reinforcing unity and coexistence, rejecting incitement, and ending the exploitation of bloodshed. He reaffirmed the country’s readiness to endure sacrifices in defense of its territory without compromising sovereignty, emphasizing the determination to confront any form of aggression under all circumstances.
“We are all called upon to turn this national occasion into a milestone that reflects its spirit and lessons: unity and coexistence, liberation from hate speech, an end to exploiting the blood of martyrs, and a commitment not to reopen old wounds. Above all, it is a call to readiness, sacrifice, and steadfastness in defending the land, its soil, and its borders, while firmly rejecting any violation of national sovereignty and freedom by any aggressor or occupier, under any circumstances, regardless of the scale of sacrifice required.”
Concluding, Speaker Berri paid tribute to those who made liberation possible and continue to defend the nation’s dignity and sovereignty, including resistance fighters, martyrs, the wounded, the military and security forces, and Lebanese citizens across the country who have supported and sheltered the displaced, sharing in their hardship and resilience.
“Together we achieved liberation, and together we are capable of liberating and rebuilding Lebanon.”
Source: Al-Manar English Website