President René Moawad
Excerpts from his speech to the Nation on the eve of Lebanon's Independence Day, 22 November 1989 - the eve of his assassination

“I have committed myself, and with strong resolve, to put forth every effort and offer any sacrifice – no matter how important they may be – in order to make the Lebanese people's hopes become a reality, and to establish the full sovereignty of the Lebanese state, with its pillars being the unity of people, the land and the institutions, the respect of individual rights and human rights, the reform of the regime and its modernization, bringing justice, equality in rights and opportunities to all Lebanese citizens”.

“I am addressing these words to the workers and farmers, as much as to the educated, the young generation and businessmen: I assure you that social development will be at the top of the state's agenda and that, in all fields and for all regions”.

“I make a pledge that I won't allow myself a moment of rest until the Lebanese government's security is established in the most remote area of our land, until we successfully assemble all illegal arms from illegal military organizations, until every infraction to the law is stopped, until every citizen regains his rights and properties”.

“You have known me through my life and conduct, as a man of reconciliation and compromise. I work to reunite opposite and settle dispute in a way that leaves each party satisfied. I refuse division. I consider today's task of achieving reconciliation amongst Lebanese from all political factions and inclinations, as the sum up of my public life and principles. National reconciliation won't exclude anyone, even those that insist on excluding themselves. Reconciliation belongs to all and keeps a place for everyone”.

“There can be no Nation, no State and no entity without the unity of the people. There can be no unity without common agreement, no agreement without reconciliation and no reconciliation without forgiveness and sacrifice. And there is none of the above without faith and compassion. Therefore, my very first call is for reconciliation to strengthen the foundations of the agreement that your legal representatives have initiated as a response to your desire for Peace*” . (*The Taef agreement)

“I won't rest until what was destroyed is rebuilt, those that were displaced return safely to their homes and those that left the country seeking safety or under economical pressures come back”.

“On the eve of the Independence Day our duty is to ponder again about its real meaning and start to walk again towards it. Our strengths in this endeavor are our unity, our democratic regime, our love for freedom and our civilized ways. This is the character of this people and the message that they carry. This is our destiny and our hope. We will live this message and will win our bargain for the welfare of Lebanon ”.

“My appeal to you is a question from heart to heart: ‘Do you love this country?' I know the answer! Let us therefore face the difficulties hand and hand, rebuilt this country together, live together and be happy!”

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