NNA - "National Liberal Party " student body marked Saturday the 8th commemoration of Martyr Gibran Tueni?s assassination in a speech ceremony organized at "Al- Nahar building in Beirut?s central district, under the patronage of Party Leader, MP Dori Chamoun.



Representing former President Amin Gemayel at the event was MP Fadi Habr, while MP Ammar Houri represented former Prime Minister Saad Hariri. Also attending was Caretaker Information Minister, Walid Daouk , and Deputies Hadi Hobeish, Ahmad Fatfat , Jean Ogassapian , Marwan Hamadeh , Khaled Zahraman , Mohammad Hajjar, and various other prominent political figures and representatives.



In his word, Chamoun recalled the shocking moments of first news of the assassination of both his brother, Danny, and Gibran Tueini, who have joined the long convoy of Lebanon?s martyrs by sacrificing their lives for their beloved country.



" We demand justice and equality in Lebanon, as Gibran used to call for, so we can build a state, which can solely rise on the basis of good citizens, strong sense of patriotism and qualifications, away from the language of weapons ," said Chamoun. He criticized, herein, those carrying weapons and fighting in Syria, spending large amounts of money, while people in Beirut?s southern suburbs are dying in floods nearby Ghadir River banks. How can it be permitted to trade in people's lives? " questioned Chamoun.



He concluded by recalling Gibran?s oath, missed by all Lebanese, stressing that his words shall never be wasted nor shall anyone give up a single inch of Lebanese soil.



In turn, MP Fatfat recalled the late Gibran?s words that were always full of hope and sincere emotions towards his beloved Lebanon, a country of partnership, coexistence and mutual living, and one that never dies nor surrenders to any assassination plots and chaos attempts, he noted.



" Yes, we are living difficult times; however, the break of dawn is almost here and the souls of fallen martyrs accompany us in spite of everything, for all conspiracy attempts shall not weaken nor discourage us, added Fatfat. He stressed that international justice shall be achieved, the Tribunal is bound to come and criminals are bound to face their punishment.



"Gibran ?s flame, the torch of liberty, has taken off to spread across the Arab world, and despite many tragedies, it shall remain victorious; for through the faith of people, their freedom is stronger than the balance of power and the conspiracy of terrorism and extremist crimes, added Faftat. He stressed that faith in Lebanon is that of Gibran?s faith in freedom, sovereignty and independence, and distancing it from all surrounding threats and dangers.



In his word, MP Hamadeh paid tribute to the long line of martyrs who have lost their lives in their fight for freedom. The Cedar Revolution, despite all pitfalls, violence, intimidation and murder, shall continue to persist; and it is nearing the day of national salvation, stressed Hamadeh, urging its supporters not to surrender to pessimism.



He added that, The Cedar Revolution has foiled Hezbollah?s hidden spreading attempt, and is moving towards constitutional deadlines, towards sovereignty and the election of a new president, of which President Michel Sleiman has given a good example, and towards the International Tribunal.



A few weeks, a few months, and we shall have Lebanon back on its right track, and democratic Syria shall be restored, for a democratic Syria is a guarantee of a democratic Lebanon, " Hamadeh concluded.



For her part, and in her word in memory of her late father, Michelle Gibran Tueni said, "Today, we remember Gibran, and every day, with each release of An-Nahar issue, we remember Gibran and his dream to see Lebanon as he wanted; for the Lebanon we have today is nothing like the Lebanon for which he sacrificed his life. She stressed, however, that, the day of truth and justice shall eventually see the light, come what may!


===================== R.Sh.