Lebanese Christian factions celebrate the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, marking it as a moment of opportunity for national sovereignty. Dr. Samir Geagea of the Lebanese Forces emphasizes the need for unity and a legitimate state, addressing implications for Hezbollah in this new political landscape. The mood is one of hope for a redefined Lebanese future.
Recent events in Lebanon have seen jubilant celebrations among various Christian factions following the reported downfall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria. In multiple locations throughout Lebanon, large gatherings formed as citizens celebrated the opposition’s control over Damascus, lighting fireworks in public squares. Additionally, remnants of the Assad administration, such as images and symbols of the Baath Party, were promptly removed at border crossings between the two nations.
At the headquarters of the Lebanese Forces, Dr. Samir Geagea, the party leader and a former militia commander during the Lebanese Civil War, gathered members of the Strong Republic Bloc and other significant committees to commemorate this transformative moment. He characterized the fall of Assad as a “warrior’s respite,” emphasizing both historical struggles and aspirations for a fully sovereign Lebanon.
The Lebanese Forces Party has persistently campaigned against Syrian dominance in Lebanon. Its founder Bachir Gemayel was assassinated by Syrian elements in 1982, while Geagea himself endured eleven years in imprisonment under Syrian rule. Throughout his leadership, he has remained steadfast in opposing external manipulation of Lebanese affairs.
Geagea further articulated the far-reaching consequences of Assad’s collapse, particularly for Hezbollah, a key ally of the Syrian regime. He pronounced during a press conference, “The game is over (…) Every day you delay is a day wasted—for yourselves and for all Lebanese.” This statement highlights Hezbollah’s precarious position, exacerbated by its military engagements in Syria and confrontation with Israel.
The celebrations were notably pronounced in Christian and Sunni-majority regions, where many view Assad’s downfall as a crucial opportunity for Lebanon to re-establish its independence and sovereignty. Geagea called for Hezbollah to disarm and insisted on the necessity of a unified Lebanese state to tackle pressing national issues.
In conclusion, Dr. Geagea proclaimed this moment as the dawn of renewed efforts to construct a legitimate Lebanese state, urging leaders and citizens alike to embrace responsibility and unity for a positive future. He concluded, “This is the beginning of building a true state in Lebanon.”
The recent political upheaval in Syria, specifically the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, has significant implications for Lebanon, particularly among Christian political factions. The Lebanese Forces, a prominent Christian party that has opposed Syrian intervention for decades, views this event as a pivotal moment to encourage national sovereignty and reject external control. Dr. Samir Geagea, a longstanding opponent of Syrian influence and an influential party leader, has expressed notable optimism regarding Lebanon’s political future in the wake of these changes, calling for unity among Lebanese citizens and the government.
In summary, the fall of Assad’s regime has been met with widespread celebrations in Lebanon, particularly among Christian factions who view this as a historic opportunity to reclaim their country’s sovereignty. Dr. Samir Geagea’s remarks reflect a strong desire for unity and the establishment of a legitimate state capable of meeting national challenges. Geagea’s calls for Hezbollah to relinquish its arms signify a broader agenda for political transformation in Lebanon, aiming for a future built on independence rather than external influence.
Original Source: www.intellinews.com
