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MP Hariri and Mr. Samir Geagea warn against attempts to divide Lebanese
Monday, September 26, 2005
MP Saad Rafic Hariri and top representatives of the Lebanese Forces, led by Mr. Samir Geagea, denounced the terrorist attack that targeted Lebanese television anchor Ms. May Shedyak and warned against attempts to drive a wedge between the Lebanese, at a meeting in Paris.
The meeting was attended, alongside MP Hariri and Mr. Geagea, by MP Sethrida Geagea, and the head of the European department in the Lebanese Forces Mr. Elie Braghide. In a statement, they condemned the “cowardly terrorist” explosion that was placed in Ms. Shedyak’s car in Jouniyeh last night, and said it also targeted Lebanon’s free press and aimed at terrorizing the Lebanese. They urged the Lebanese not to despair and to remain united, while praising the efforts of the authorities, especially the Interior and Defense Ministers, who have intensified measures to maintain stability in the face of a wave of terrorist attacks.
In the statement, head of the Future bloc in Parliament, and the Lebanese Forces officials, also noted that the bombings that have been rocking Lebanon, are mainly taking place in Christian regions, to derail building a modern state and to frighten the Christians. They pointed to similar campaigns that followed any calls for the withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon. While warning against the suspicions that are being raised about the efficiency of the authorities, officials called for multiplying measures to strengthen security. They also decided to hold regular meetings to “salvage” Lebanon, as part of a joint initiative.
MP Hariri and the Lebanese Forces officials hailed, in Paris, the results of a visit this month to New York by Prime Minister Fouad Siniora and the delegation that traveled with him, citing an international decision to hold a conference this year in support of the Lebanese economy in Beirut. However, they regretted that some have raised suspicions of the New York trip. Highlighting the significance of a UN-commissioned investigation into the February 14 assassination of Prime Minister Rafic Hariri, officials made clear that the results will also shed light on the true nature of the regime that ruled Lebanon for more than fifteen years. They extended an offer of cooperation to all groups in Lebanon to bolster unity, sovereignty, independence, and the country’s Arab identity, while reaffirming their commitment to the spirit of March 14, when more than a million Lebanese rallied in Beirut.
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