Saad Hariri Announces Political Comeback, Advocates for Unity and Reform in Lebanon
Saad Hariri, the former Lebanese Prime Minister, announced his political return during a rally in Beirut, marking 20 years since his father’s assassination. He plans to revive his Future Movement party and participate in elections, emphasizing state authority and partnerships with Arab nations. Hariri’s return responds to regional changes, advocating for stability in Syria and unity within Lebanon’s defense.
Former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced his political comeback on Friday during a rally in Beirut commemorating the 20th anniversary of his father, Rafik Hariri’s assassination. He declared plans to revive his Future Movement party and participate in upcoming elections, reversing his earlier decision to withdraw from politics in 2022. Hariri emphasized the need to rebuild Lebanon while promoting its state authority and collaboration with Arab nations, among other reforms endorsed by President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.
During his address at Martyrs’ Square, Hariri framed his return as a response to changing regional dynamics, particularly highlighting Syria’s forthcoming leadership transition in 2024. He called for stability in Syria based on equal state relations and criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for obstructing peace efforts, implying it served as a pretext for ongoing occupation.
Supporting UN Resolution 1701, which mandates the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Lebanese territories, Hariri urged Hezbollah constituencies to favor security led by the Lebanese state. “Only the army can protect all Lebanese,” he asserted, reinforcing the need for a unified national defense.
The rally served to remember the 2005 truck bombing that killed the elder Hariri, who was instrumental in Lebanon’s post-civil war reconstruction. Although a UN tribunal convicted a Hezbollah affiliate in 2020, it did not link the group’s leadership to the assassination, which Hezbollah denounced as a politically biased judgment.
In conclusion, Saad Hariri’s reentry into Lebanese politics signifies a pivotal shift as he seeks to reinvigorate his Future Movement party amidst a backdrop of regional changes. His commitment to rebuilding Lebanon, emphasizing state authority, and addressing relations with both Syria and Israel presents a renewed vision for his political agenda. Hariri’s actions may influence the upcoming electoral landscape and galvanize support among his political base. His recognition of UN Resolution 1701 and the call for a unified military presence further underscore his response to national security concerns, reflecting a strategic approach to governance as Lebanon navigates its complex political environment.
Original Source: www.chinadailyhk.com
