Daily Star , BEIRUT: "Dialogue is the most important thing for Lebanon today," boomed the voice of late MP Gebran Tueni, recorded more than a year ago and aired Sunday at a conference commemorating the slain journalist’s life and media freedoms in the Arab world. For a few brief moments Sunday, the MP and An-Nahar general manager came back to life in front of print journalists gathered to mark the first anniversary of his December 12, 2005 assassination in a car bombing.

"People accuse the Lebanese media of dividing Lebanon, but it is Lebanon’s political leaders that have ripped the country apart," a taped interview from the 1980s showed a younger Tueni saying. A photo of recently assassinated Industry Minister Pierre Gemayel and Tueni smiling at each other evoked a standing ovation from the hundreds of attendees, including politicians – among whom was Yassin Jaber, representing Speaker Nabih Berri – religious leaders from all sects, and relatives of both Tueni and Gemayel. "I swear, there will never be another civil war in Lebanon," rang another clip from Tueni.

On cue, the late MP’s daughter Nayla, who currently heads An-Nahar, appeared on stage to repeat her father’s vow. "Good morning Gebran, good morning father," she said gently. "What are you doing now? Do you write and read like you usually do? Are you sitting with other martyrs discussing politics and the future?"

Nayla slammed the opposition for holding demonstrations to topple the government and "hinder the formation of an international tribunal" to try suspects in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and in other assassinations.

"You are trying to protect the criminals that killed my father!" she screamed.

"The developments in the streets are attempting a coup against the government that grew from the Cedar Revolution, which my father and others have paid for with their blood!" she said. "We will not let you bring down the government! Never! Never! Never!"

The stadium roared in response, uniting in a recitation of Tueni’s oft-quoted oath from March 14, 2005.

"In the name of God Almighty, we, Muslims and Christians, pledge that we remain united till the end of time in defense of our great Lebanon," the crowd vowed.

Tueni’s father, MP Ghassan Tueni, called for calm and patience. "Terrorism of thought poses a greater danger to us than terrorism on the ground," the visibly ailing elder Tueni said.

"We need to stick to the truth in sensitive times and avoid causing fear in our citizens, as a country is only free when its citizens feel free of fear," he added.

Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, who addressed the conference via video link from his office in the Grand Serail, downplayed deepening divisions among the Lebanese.

"Our hand is extended. We will not close any doors. We will work on opening doors," the premier said.