Celebrations in Lebanon followed the fall of Assad’s regime, with the Lebanese Forces Party expressing hope for national sovereignty and urging unity against foreign influences. Dr. Samir Geagea characterized the moment as pivotal for Lebanese independence and called for the disarmament of Hezbollah, marking a hopeful beginning for a true Lebanese state.
In Lebanon, celebrations erupted following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, as opposition factions gained control of Damascus. Public gatherings in various Lebanese squares featured fireworks and expressions of joy. At the border regions, there was an immediate removal of Assad’s images and symbols of the Baath Party. Notably, Dr. Samir Geagea, leader of the Christian-based Lebanese Forces Party, convened members to commemorate this significant shift, branding Assad’s downfall as a “warrior’s respite” and part of Lebanon’s journey toward full sovereignty.
Dr. Geagea highlighted the historical opposition of the Lebanese Forces to Syrian dominance, reflecting on the sacrifices made during the Lebanese Civil War. He pointed to the legacy of the party’s founder, Bachir Gemayel, who was assassinated by Syrian forces in 1982, as a pivotal moment in their struggle for independence. Geagea’s remarks emphasized the Syrian regime’s detrimental effects on Lebanese sovereignty and the destruction wrought on its villages, associating this day with the call for justice both for Lebanon and Syria.
Amid the celebrations, Geagea addressed potential consequences for Hezbollah, Assad’s steadfast ally, suggesting that their influence and power would significantly diminish. He urged the group to relinquish its weapons in favor of a unified Lebanese army, stating, “Your environment needs the stability of a real state to begin reconstruction.” The celebrations were particularly pronounced in Christian and Sunni-majority areas, with many viewing this shift as a pivotal opportunity for Lebanon to reclaim its independence.
Geagea concluded his address by calling for unity and shared responsibility among leaders and citizens alike to facilitate the creation of a true Lebanese state, marking this event as the dawn of a national reconstruction effort. His sentiments reflected a collective aspiration for a future free from foreign interference.
The changing dynamics in Syria, particularly the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, have significant implications for Lebanon, especially among its Christian factions. The Lebanese Forces Party, which has historically opposed Syrian occupation and influence, particularly since the Lebanese Civil War, views this development as a resurgence of Lebanese sovereignty. Dr. Samir Geagea, a prominent figure in this party, has historically resisted Syrian domination and advocates for a strong, independent Lebanese state. The political landscape in Lebanon is shaped notably by the sectarian divisions and the legacy of external influences, particularly that of Syria and Iran, making Assad’s fall a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for national identity and autonomy.
In conclusion, the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria has sparked significant celebrations among Lebanon’s Christian factions, heralding a potential shift towards reclaiming national sovereignty. Dr. Samir Geagea’s remarks reflect a desire for unity within Lebanon and a call for the disarmament of Hezbollah. The events signal a critical juncture, with hopes for a reconstruction of Lebanese identity, free from foreign interference. The Lebanese Forces Party’s steadfast opposition to Syrian influence underscores the aspirations for a true sovereign state.
Original Source: www.intellinews.com
