Lebanon marks Independence Day amid political deadlock
Mariam Saleh
Press TV, Beirut
Lebanon marked the 76th anniversary of its independence from French colonial rule on Friday amid nationwide protests gripping the country since October 17.
Addressing the nation on the eve of the occasion, President Michel Aoun blamed contradictions that control politics for his failure to call for binding parliamentary consultations to name a new prime minister.
Aoun also renewed his invitation to protesters to send representatives to the presidential palace for talks in order to be able to closely explore their actual demands and means to implement them.
He also warned of foreign interference in a clear response to US pressure saying the upcoming year should be a year of economic and geographic independence.
President Aoun also stressed that the fight against corruption is the toughest of battles which should begin with a judicial system completely dissociated from politics.
This is the second year in a row that Lebanon celebrates its independence with a caretaker government. Yet this year is different. The president, parliament speaker and premier stood side by side observing a limited and humble military parade.
Lebanese caretaker defense minister told Press TV that a new government cannot be completely apolitical.
On the streets, some say they’re determined to continue protests until the departure of the whole ruling elite.
Lebanon is marking 76 years of self-rule. The celebrations this year have been marred by the country’s political crisis. With the delay in the formation of the cabinet and continuous protests developments are not expected to take a positive turn.
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