By Daily Star, Gulf news
Beirut: Lebanon’s newly elected President Michel Aoun has vowed to
uproot corruption and strive for nation-building in the deeply divided
country. Aoun spoke Sunday before thousands of supporters who gathered at the presidential palace in Baabda in southeastern Beirut. “Corruption will be uprooted,” he added, drawing cheers from his supporters waving red, white and green Lebanese flags. “ Aoun made his remarks from the steps of Baabda Palace, his first address to the country from the president’s official residence. A strong nation needs a strong government to administer it, and a
strong state is built in line with a constitution that is respected
equally by all politicians,” Aoun said in his inaugural address on
Sunday to a crowd of thousands of supporters waving red, white and green
Lebanese flags.
Lebanon “would no longer be linked to any other foreign country,” he
continued. “We will manage our own affairs and deal with others in a
friendly manner. Our independence and sovereignty don’t mean to target
anyone.” Aoun’s supporters began their rally early Sunday morning.
Men, women and children of all ages took to the streets en route to the
Palace. A large banner reading “People’s Palace” had been erected on
the palace grounds. The ecstatic crowd interrupted Aoun several times while he spoke.
It
has been a period that is justified and timely, and time enough for
everyone to express their positive feelings, whether that be genuine or
out of necessity. Now is the time for hard work.
Obviously the president has an agenda, which was set out in his election speech. It
is the duty of everyone to now afford Aoun the space, time and support
he needs to fulfill this, since it reflects the aspirations of all
Lebanese. The days ahead should be dedicated to the formation of a
Cabinet capable of addressing the multitude of challenges that touch on
the daily lives of citizens.
Therefore, tomorrow is not just
another day; it is a day for action, planning and taking the first steps
of the 1,000-mile journey to realize what has been promised. The
Lebanese people are pinning great expectations on starting the engines
of governance, especially the declared intention of the president and
the premier to cooperate fully because they acknowledge the needs and
pitfalls that lie ahead.
It’s not a smooth path but it can be
overcome if these two men, who have been entrusted by officials from
both banks of the river with the responsibility of leading this nation,
spare no effort in ensuring that the Lebanese people are not
disappointed yet again.
A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Daily Star on November 07, 2016, on page 7.
