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PART 7  (Translated freely: By Elias Bejjani) In a session with mediators, General Aoun said: "My dear friends, the Syrians are requesting a kind of significant relations with Lebanon. We are more than ready to respond positively to their request, but we can't do so, until after the withdrawal of their army from our country. Please do convey to the Syrians this advice from Michel Aoun: Lebanon is a land of quick sand, all those who attempted to mingle with Lebanese affairs unfairly were sucked in by it, they ought to be aware of this fact." In his capacity as Chief army commander, during the last few months of President Amin Gemayal's reign, General Aoun met with an American official delegation at his residence in the Al-Rabieh area. The delegation was composed of Mr. David Newton, Mr., David Sutterfield and the USA Military attaché in Lebanon, Mr. Renekia. The delegation informed General Aoun that an agreement was reached between the USA envoy, Mr. Richard Murphy, and the Syrian President Hafez Assad to appoint Mr. Michael Al-Daher President for the Republic of Lebanon. Aoun's response was: "It is great to be able to have agreements between you and the Syrians, we are really happy for you." Aoun continued to say: "but in regards to the Lebanese President, we request a free election session under the auspices of the Lebanese Army. We ask for Washington's help in this matter and we have no objection to the session being under the American's supervision. In my capacity as army chief commander, Aoun added: "I shall accept happily the outcome of the election. You [Americans] have to be very cautious in what you are requesting, because it is a dangerous precedent. You are recognizing a Syrian role in Lebanon for an unlimited time frame. Accordingly, I insist you avoid such recognition for a Syrian role that will lead for endless Syrian hegemony over Lebanon." Aoun ended by saying: "What you are trying to impose will be a dangerous precedent and will set an unfair model for other places in the world in future international affairs. The American delegation rejected Aoun's proposal and stressed the fact that the Syrian-American agreement is final, and accordingly there is no chance at all for any change or even slight modification. Aoun told the members of the delegation: "Your decision puts us on a war track because we refuse to give up our sovereignty and independence. We would have loved to thank you for assisting us in executing a free presidential election, not to impose on us a president." Aoun went on to say: "This is a shame, you claim to be protectors for freedom and defenders for democracy and still impose on us such an agreement? What you are trying to do is not acceptable on the verge of the twenty- first century. We are not a herd of sheep; we are a deep-rooted civilized people and will resist this infringement on our rights." That day when I came to Aoun's residence accompanied by a group of dignitaries, we found the place crowded with military and political personnel. The main topic was the shameful Murphy-Assad agreement. Aoun's eldest daughter Mira was furious for what has been going on. Out of her innocence she was trying to understand and inquire by what right others can impose on the people of Lebanon a president. She approached her father tearful and fuming with anger and asked him: "Dad, why they want to impose a president on us, don't we know how to select one on our own?" Aoun trying to calm her down, answered: "All the powerful nations deal like this with small helpless countries." " What is your stance?" she asked. "I refused to accept", replied Aoun. At that point I said: "General Aoun, we all refuse to accept such a mockery. Is it possible after fourteen years of war, distraction, sacrifices, martyrs and displacement to reap such an outcome?" Few hours later, General Aoun, met with his media councilor, Mr. Youssef Al-Andari in a side room for few minutes. He went out after that to say: "a press release will be announced in a short time stating our national stance, we reject this agreement of subservience." General Aoun conveyed his stance of rejection to President Amin Jemayal through Colonel Simon Kasies, chief Intelligence Bureau. He also notified Dr. Samir Gega, Leader for the Lebanese Forces through Mr. Nader Sukar who returned to tell Aoun that Dr. Gega is in complete agreement with his rejecting stance. Aoun assigned Father George Nehme and General Ghabi Arsoni to visit Bkerke and make his Beatitude Patriarch Sfier aware of the stance taken. His Beatitude was in full agreement with the stance, and asked the two envoys to tell General Aoun of his approval, describing the taken stance as historical. The same day the Lebanese Army leadership, Department of Guidance, issued the following press release: The leadership extends its genuine thanks to the Syrians and Americans for the efforts they have taken to facilitate the election of a president for our country. At the same time the leadership reiterate its stance that has been announced numerous times lately. This stance is based on two solid facts: 1- The Lebanese army still honors its declared commitment in providing the needed security and freedom for the presidential election and for those running for the position. 2- Based on the army's oath to protect and safeguard Lebanon's sovereignty, and its parliamentary democratic system, it can't accept the principle of appointing a president. No body has the right to appoint a president for Lebanon. Such matter has to be handled by the Lebanese Parliament that legitimately and solely looks after the Lebanese national interest. Following the announcement of the press release General Aoun was somewhat relieved, but was still extremely worried. He kept pacing at the sitting room of his residence, while we went on discussing the unfolding events. Aoun at that time had a Fractured arm supported by a splint. In spite of Aoun.s anxiety he seemed to be relieved from the heavy load that was bothering his conscience after taking a clear patriotic stance. He suddenly stopped pacing, turned toward us and said: Remember this day, it is going to be the start of a new era. Very few will be able to resist, but they shall be sufficient to continue the struggle As from today no one will be allowed to give us orders, take decision or thing on our behalf. We are free to decide for ourselves, we are the ones who will say: yes, or no, and decide freely what is acceptable and what is not. As from today there will be no more mockery and no more betrayal for the truth, every thing has to be in the open, and the people have to be well informed and fully aware to what goes in the country. As from today we are going to say what and who is good or bad, no more compromises on our existence and rights, and all citizens shall be equal in all rights." To be continued next week. Long Live Free Lebanon |