 By: Pierre Rafoul (Translated freely: By Elias Bejjani) A friend who rarely phones our newspaper (the Lebanese-Australian Herald) called me few days ago and did not sound himself. He is a tough patriotic Lebanese, a supporter of resistance and a strong believer in freedom and in the right of defending Lebanon against occupation. His voice tone shocked me, and for a while I thought he had joined the cajoling fake charade orchestrated by the occupant to welcome Lebanon's newly appointed President. Our phone conversation lasted for a while and focused on the current Lebanese status quo. Below some excerpts from the dialogue: Him: why you do not support General Emil lahoud, the new president? Me: Because we refuse to surrender Lebanon to the occupant. Him: Are you sure Lahoud will do so? Me: His past and present are definite indications for this track. Him: Give the man a chance. Me: A collaborator should never be given any chances. Him: Is Lahoud Syria's man? Me: for sure, the contents of his first speech were so clear. It exhibited his disgust to sovereignty as well as his collaborative and submissive traits. Him: Is there a possibility that he might be a good president? Me: The occupant does not appoint except subservient puppets. Him: Why you do not address the Israeli occupation? Me: How is our conversation related to the Israeli occupation? Anyhow, the Free National Patriotic Current is against all kinds of occupation and our stance in this regard is very clear. Him: The Israeli occupation installed president Sheik Bachir Jomayel. Me: But Sheik Bachir held dear to his heart and mind the free independent, sovereign, 10452 Km2 democratic country. He never ever abdicated any of Lebanon's national convictions and gave his life for his believes. Him: the occupant also appointed President Rene Muawad. Me: President Muawad refused to bow to the foreign powers' will. He declared openly with no fear that he is Lebanon's President and all Lebanese internal issues will be his responsibility with foreign interference. He, like Sheik Bachir, gave his life to defend Lebanon's dignity. There is a great difference between a free president and a subservient subordinate. Him: Let's go back to Lahoud, He is an army officer and has pledged to defend Lebanon. Me: He has betrayed his military pledge on October 13, 1990, when he voluntarily helped the Syrian invaders conquer Lebanon's last free regions. He was, and still is, a cover for all their atrocities and crimes. Him: He is a subordinate and was forced to do so, he had no other choices. Me: We can't support a subordinate. Him: This is a reality, you can not run away from it. Me: This reality is not acceptable, we are resisting it. Him: They say, resistance has been a failure. Me: Resistance does not fail, it is a personal conviction based on national and ethical codes. It focuses on the fate and future of a country and always yields and leads to liberation. On the other hand betting on foreign powers can not last because it is for fake posing, stems from collaboration and focuses on individual interests. Him: you are left alone. Me: What is important, is Lebanon's existence. Him: Everybody else has sided with Lahoud. Me: No, not everybody, only those who supported the "Taef Accord" and we all are aware of its negative and devastating consequences. Him: in conclusion, what your are asking for, what are your demands and what exactly do you want? Me: Only a free liberated Lebanon in which our dignified people can enjoy sovereignty and freedom. What do you want? My friend laughed and did not answer. I repeated my question, and after a pause he replied: " I only needed to hear what you said, your stance personifies Lebanon's dignity, honour, strong will, perseverance and faith… I am now relieved, because faithful and patriotic Lebanese like you shall and will liberate our beloved occupied Lebanon, God bless you all, keep on with your struggle and resistance efforts. Long Live Lebanon Australia. October 30, 1998 |