Abi Nasr says withdrawal of Syrian army from Lebanon a big challenge

Change and Reform bloc MP Neemtallah Abi Nasr said on Friday that the anniversary of the withdrawal of the Syrian army from Lebanon constitutes a big challenge for the Lebanese people, since they became solely responsible for their own decisions. He noted that if these decisions were to be affected by foreign factors, then “the Lebanese would be considered as unable to manage their own affairs and hence undeserving of independence”.

Abi Nasr pointed out that Lebanon faces today two major trials, one concerning the formation of a new national cabinet and another pertaining to the approval of a new electoral law.

Syria withdrew its troops from Lebanon at the end of April 2005 following massive rallies organized by more than a million people in central Beirut’s Martyrs’ Square demanding the withdrawal of the Syrian army and shouting slogans in support of the country’s freedom, sovereignty and independence.

These events took place after the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, who was killed in a massive car bomb explosion in Beirut on February 14, 2005.