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PART 18  (Translated freely: By Elias Bejjani) Every time we discussed the regional and the international situation and its effects on Lebanon with General Aoun, he answered: There will be no solution in Lebanon without an international consensus on the regional level. Meanwhile we, as Lebanese, have to be ready and prepared to play our role effectively in the solution. Internally, we have to prove that we are capable of ruling our country and make the whole world respect us for our efficiency. We have to be a stabilizing factor in the area, not a problem for others. Yet we should not fool ourselves that things will go back to normal easily. Lebanon is in a very difficult regional situation among the surrounding countries: every one wants it on his side and under his control". Aoun added, "the situation in Lebanon will not be stable before the ultimate peace process becomes a reality. The solution has to involve equally and openly Syria, Lebanon and Israel, but such achievement requires for its success internal effort and time to pave the right milieus and prepare the people in the area psychologically. But we can not meanwhile standstill and be idle." Aoun continued to say: "We have to fix our internal situation, help the army and the security forces to protect the people and secure their safety, encourage industry, plan for a modern productive economy, encourage the return of immigrants and prepare the appropriate milieus for national reconciliation. We have to establish a healthy and stable relationship with Syria and remove all factors of irritation, tension and hostility. The Lebanese-Syrian relationship should not remain a hostage of moods and circumstances. It has to be the result of a public conviction in both countries. The people, through a free democratic election, will choose their MP's and those through the public mandate given to them will be legally entitled to decide on the kind of relationship between the two countries. The relationship that the Lebanese are eager to build with Syria must respect the freedom, independence, sovereignty and distinctivity of each country". Aoun concluded by saying, " We have already started to advocate among our people for such a mutual relationship: the people are very receptive. The Lebanese-Syrian relationship is a crucial national issue and accordingly, we and the Syrians should arrive with an acceptable mutual solid, mutual effective solution once and forever. The Lebanese people in the Eastern region believe this is a priority." On January 20/1990, on the "North support day", thousands of citizens from the North Governarate came to the Presidential Palace at Baabda. General Aoun greeted the crowds and delivered a speech in which he said: "I call on the Lebanese people to abide with the essence of the "Ontelias" declaration, so we all can rebuild Lebanon on common living and national foundations and not on a sectarian basis." From the first day that General Aoun became Prime Minister, the idea of public intermingling began to take place. This positive public attitude was encouraged because the free regions were now under the control of legitimate authority and the Lebanese army. The army institution was a role model in national unity, cohesiveness and patriotism in spite of all the restrictions and obstacles inflicted on it by the politicians in a bid to cripple its role in protecting both the people and the country. The Defense Ministry headquarters as well as the Military Hospital remained accessible to all military personnel providing them with all services needed, in spite of isolated individual negative conduct displayed by some army officers. Prime Minister Michel Aoun encouraged mingling among the people of Lebanon, he opened freely the crossing roads and removed all physical and human obstacles. He called on all those who left the Eastern regions because of the war or due to political or religious affiliations to return back, claim their houses and practice their political rights freely with no violence, terrorism, intelligence activities or use of weapons. Aoun's call and the measures executed were welcomed by the people living in regions under occupation. Accordingly people started moving freely among the different areas with no fear, even some members in the National Syrian Social party and some "Hobeika" supporters started to visit the Free regions under the control of General Aoun, to check on their property, relatives and friends with no fear. The road to the Presidential Baabda Palace was open and accessible for all the Lebanese. Baabda Palace, the People's house, became a place for all Lebanese who believe in unity and liberation to meet with each other. Thousands and thousands of Lebanese from all over Lebanon came to the presidential palace to show support to the leader and his national stances. They carried Lebanese flag proudly and waved with patriotic slogans quoted from different Lebanese leaders they support e.g., "My country is always right. for President Slieman Franjea", "Our struggle is for Lebanon, the 10452 km2…for Shiek Bashir Chomayel", "The foreigner brought them, let the people kick them out", "Life is a stance of dignity…for Antoine Saade" etc. One could see slogans from Camilla Chamoun, Bashir Chomayel, and Slieman Franjea embracing those from Mufti Hassan Khalid, Kamal Jumblat, Antoine Saade, Shiek Mohamad Hussien Fadlalah and Shiek Subhi Saleh. On May 19/1990, The Swiss newspaper "La Swiss", conducted an interview with General Aoun. This is some of what he said: "I personally consider the 1983 war that took place in Mount Lebanon region between the Lebanese Forces and the Druz, a historical mistake. In general, the reaction was much worse than the action itself. A positive atmosphere is prevailing and taking place again. I hope it will help in healing the wounds created by that war and pave the way again for the re-establishment of historical national unity in Mount Lebanon. I keep hearing some people talking about what they call the 1860 massacre or the civil war. We have to remember that after that war the Lebanese in Mount Lebanon lived for 120 years (1860-1980) in peace and harmony. Accordingly the Christain-Druz coexistence is the foundation and the norm, while the war is an exception, and no one should ignore the foreign interference. To be continued next week. Long Live Free Lebanon |