 (Translated freely: By Elias Bejjani) Every now and then we hear about certain initiatives for conciliation among the Lebanese people either in occupied Lebanon or in Diaspora. The Patriotic Free Movement was approached several times in regards to such initiatives and it has constantly made its stand very clear. Despite this fact certain individuals still allege that certain groups including our Movement are hindering such efforts and creating obstacles preventing its implementation. Last week a friend of mine who has been in Diaspora for more then thirty years invited me for a cup of coffee. He is a very nice man and has been deeply involved in the Lebanese-Australian Community every day affairs for years. We discussed among other matters the consolation issue He indicated with great bitterness that the conciliation issue for the Lebanese is like the Arabic unity, they welcome it in the morning and curse it in the evening. My fiend cited numerous such events and unsuccessful conciliation efforts that made things worse. What actually draw my attention in the unfortunate anecdotes that he sited was the fact that the conflicts in question took place without specific reasons or rational and the conciliation happened without specific measures to prevent their re-occurrence again. I commanded my friend for his point of view and stance on this sensitive issue. I also made him aware that all individuals who take initiatives to get our community members together and put an end to their conflicts are doing a great job. I added: "We will always support their efforts provided such conciliation dynamics are initiated and processed on solid bases aiming to avoid their future reoccurrence. The golden rule in this context is to identify the problem with all its predisposing and precipitating causes, after which a serious responsible solution that is applicable, effective, long term and acceptable by all parties is implemented". It is worth mentioning that superficial transient conciliation efforts are a waste of time and lead no where. Members in the "Free Patriotic Movement" do not mix personal relationship and animosity with national endeavors and work. Our national animosity or cooperation stems from a set of unequivocal principles known to every Lebanese in occupied Lebanon and Diaspora. Those who deal with us as enemies are fully aware why they are doing so. At the same time those join our ranks and take us, as allies know exactly what our national convictions and norms are. It is not a must or a priority that two people should like each other to be allies in a patriotic struggle. The priority is to believe in the national cause that unites these two people and makes them willing and convinced in the righteousness of struggle they are going through to serve their country's cause. My friend asked if the "Free Patriotic Movement" has any reservations or problems in meeting with certain individuals or groups. My answer was: "In principle we have problem at all, but the question is: "If such initiatives do stem from mere courtesy, what would be the benefits from them? We welcome all well planned strategies that help in establishing solid cooperation and long term conciliation. We are always open on others and have no personal conditions for cooperation with any body, but at the same time we abide fully by our national convictions and principles in case national matters are the ultimate aim of such actions". The following are the priorities that dictate our national conduct and rapport with others:: 1- The whole Lebanon is occupied by foreign troops who all should withdraw immediately. 2- The collaborating "Taef" puppet Lebanese regime that was imposed in 1990 is illegitimate and does not represent the people of Lebanon. 3- All people of Lebanon should unite together in a national struggle and put in office a regime that represents their wishes, aspirations and ambitions 4- The "Taef agreement" is not a suitable tool to solve Lebanon's problems. On the contrary it is a disaster on Lebanon and the Lebanese. It has to be replaced by another agreement reached by the Lebanese themselves, inside Lebanon, and with their free will and decision". My friend's response was: " this is exactly what every decent patriotic Lebanese wants" I ended this friendly fruitful conversation by saying: "Then let us declare these convictions and criterion publicly, abide by their requirements and obligation and march together to fulfill the liberation objectives. Then under such conditions and within such a frame and encouraging clear national milieu we can be partners in all conciliation initiative with those who share our national resistance and struggle. Long Live Free Lebanon |