PM Salam on civil war anniversary: Lebanon must learn from its past and unite to avoid internal strife

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, on the eve of the anniversary of the outbreak of the civil war, said that the country today is in urgent need of learning from its past rather than invoking it for intimidation or turning it into a weapon against one another.

Salam said that some parties in Lebanon had erred by burdening the country beyond what it could bear, prioritizing solidarity with just causes over the need to protect Lebanon’s sovereignty and security. 

Others, he added, were also mistaken in believing that Lebanon’s weakness could be turned into strength, while all those who resorted to external support under the illusion that it served only their interests ultimately found themselves trapped in a larger game.

He stressed that what is needed today is for all Lebanese to stand together rather than against one another, to strengthen the internal front, and to prevent sedition, threats, or the use of civil war rhetoric.

Salam said he understands the concerns and anger of those who can no longer endure a fate they do not choose for themselves, a fate shaped by the will of others, even through war.

Addressing the south, he said its people know better than anyone the cost of wars, divisions, and failed bets, having paid over decades the price of occupation, attacks, displacement, as well as the consequences of multiple decision-making centers and the absence or weakness of the state.

He added that he is aware the memory of August 4 has not healed, especially among the people of Beirut, and that it was painfully revived by the tragedy of April 8 and its unarmed civilian victims. He said he also understands that people are tired of having their right to determine their own fate taken away from them.

Salam said his responsibility is to strengthen what unites these memories, to calm tensions, and to bring them closer together as much as possible.

He stressed that it is a national duty today to affirm that the south will not be left alone once again in the face of fear, destruction, and uncertainty, adding that its protection, like that of all Lebanon, can only be ensured through a strong and just unified state. He said efforts will continue to end the war, which he said was never Lebanon’s choice.

He added that efforts to stop the war will continue, led by the initiative presented by the President to open negotiations, end the war, and enable the legitimate state institutions to fully perform their role in protecting Lebanon and its people.

Salam called for the full implementation of the Taif Agreement, correcting what has been applied in contradiction to its text or spirit, closing the gaps revealed by practice, and developing it whenever necessary.

He concluded by calling on all to confront looming dangers with reason, unity, and national responsibility, stressing that unity today is not an emotional slogan but a national necessity.