President of the Republic on the Anniversary of the "Declaration of Greater Lebanon": Today's Bet is on Ending Wars and Embarking on State-Building

Beirut – Mansour Shaaban: President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, stated on the anniversary of the proclamation of “Greater Lebanon” on September 1, 1920, which coincided yesterday: “This achievement, which crystallized the Lebanese idea through a political entity encompassing all Lebanese sects, represents a constitutional affirmation of the state bearing this mission.” He noted that “this proclamation was completed by the issuance of the Lebanese Constitution and the establishment of the Republic in 1926, the centennial of which we are commemorating throughout this year, as well as by independence and the establishment of institutions.”

President Aoun said: “Despite the challenges and conflicts, Lebanon has continued to exist and is now returning to fulfill its role among nations. Today’s wager lies in ending wars, preserving sovereignty, and embarking on state and institution-building, as well as revitalizing the economy and business sector.” He emphasized that “this hope can only be realized through the return of all to the state, which alone serves as the reference point for all Lebanese, united by the National Pact as a common starting point that preserves diversity within unity.”

In another address, President Aoun, speaking before Catholic Armenian Patriarch Raphael Bedros XXI Minassian and a delegation from the community, stated that “Armenian Lebanese play a positive role in nation-building, and their integration into Lebanese society has generated essential support in all fields.” He pointed out that “this state protects everyone; Lebanese have grown weary of sectarian enclaves and parallel institutions. The choices we have made are in the interest of the Lebanese people, who are exhausted by war and place their only hope in the establishment of a strong, capable state. We are not against political parties, but they must play a positive role in building the state, not destroying it.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam, addressing a delegation from the “Greater Lebanon Gathering” that included MPs Ashraf Rifi, Hayat Arslan, Abdulmajid Awad, and Saleh Al-Muqaddam, said that “Greater Lebanon, despite the crises it has witnessed, has succeeded in producing a diverse thought and a shared culture that united Lebanese across different affiliations, providing a distinctive space for freedom, pluralism, and openness.”

Salam stressed that “our responsibility today is to preserve Greater Lebanon, adhere to its entity and borders, and learn from past mistakes.” He added that “this requires building a state that ensures balanced development, does not leave any groups outside the development process, safeguards individual freedom and rights in harmony with group freedoms, and enables all Lebanese to be equal partners in building their country’s future.”

Economically, President General Joseph Aoun received a delegation from the board of directors of the new National Social Security Fund, led by Dr. Bashir Al-Asmar. He emphasized before them that “the fund belongs to all Lebanese and is not sectarian or partisan. Your responsibility is to ensure social security for Lebanese and provide services in a modern and transparent manner,” and to “preserve public funds, particularly end-of-service benefits for insured workers and adequate health insurance for them after retirement.” He warned that “corruption is Lebanon’s primary problem, and combating it requires a strong and impartial judiciary, as well as digital transformation.”

On another front, Minister of National Defense, Major General Michel Mansour, discussed bilateral relations between Lebanon and Serbia and ways to develop cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the defense and military sectors, with his Serbian counterpart, Bratislav Gašić, in Belgrade.

Both sides emphasized “the importance of adhering to the principles established by the Non-Aligned Movement, foremost among them respecting the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of states, non-interference in internal affairs, and reliance on dialogue and peaceful means to settle disputes, thereby contributing to the enhancement of security and stability.”

In this context, Minister Mansour reaffirmed “Lebanon’s commitment to these principles,” stressing “the necessity of safeguarding its sovereignty, supporting its legitimate institutions, strengthening the role of the Lebanese Armed Forces, and enabling the state to extend its authority over its entire territory, thereby consolidating stability and paving the way for achieving security and peace.”