Hariri congratulates Lebanese on Eid, but warns of dangers

Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri issued a statement Friday congratulating the Lebanese on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, but warned of political and economic dangers threatening Lebanon. “Eid Al-Fitr comes this year while Lebanon is facing the danger of the disintegration of the role of [the] State, and the rule of the logic of chaos and tribalism in managing public affairs,” said the former prime minister. “This requires all forces to rise above personal interests, move to end all factors of division, save the State from collapse and restore the Lebanese people’s faith in a State that maintains security and stability, restores the rule of law, and ends the chaos resulting from illegal weapons in the various areas.” Hariri noted that the deteriorating security situation is negatively affecting the economy, particularly in light of what he described as the government’s apparent abandonment of its duties. Hariri said, “We look forward to [coordinating] all efforts to obtain the return of the kidnapped Lebanese to their families and put an end to the counter kidnappings that only raise tensions and spread discord.” On the occasion of the Eid, Hariri said he commended the Islamic summit held in Mecca at the initiative of Saudi Arabian King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz “to reunite Muslims and put an end to the disputes between them at this sensitive and delicate stage for the Arab and Muslim world, and confirm support for the Palestinian cause against the Israeli judaization schemes in Jerusalem and other occupied territories.” He concluded by expressing support for the popular uprising in Syria, which began last March and has claimed over 20,000 lives, mainly civilians. Hariri stressed that “the suffering of the Syrian brotherly people gives further evidence of the keenness of all Islamic states, and firstly the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to provide all support to the Syrian people in their overwhelming popular uprising to get rid of the repressive regime and achieve victory and the establishment of a free democratic state as soon as possible.” From DailyStar