The United Australian Lebanese Movement renews its support for democracy, unity, and peace in Lebanon. We take pride in the fact that Lebanon is the only democracy in the Middle East and reaffirm our full support for the integrity of its democratic system.
We are concerned that genuine protests by the people of Lebanon who are sick of corruption and the difficulties of everyday life have been hijacked by former warlords and militia leaders who are at the very essence of corruption in the country.
We understand the struggles of the Lebanese people and know that corruption has tainted major parts of the government, but we are confident that moving into a presidential vacuum will only exacerbate the situation and instill chaos, divisiveness, and more turmoil in the streets. As per Lebanon’s Constitution, the president’s main role is to safeguard democracy, ensure that stability is maintained, and ensure that reforms are adequately implemented through an impartial and lawful process. Therefore, we give our full support to President Michel Aoun in accomplishing these duties and resolve the current issues in Lebanon. We note that President Michel Aoun has been calling for addressing corruption in the country for many years.
Furthermore, we strongly support a political will in Lebanon to achieve the following:
1- Lifting the immunity of all Lebanese politicians.
2- Lifting financial secrecy of (present and former) prime ministers, ministers, members of parliament and public servants.
3- Recovering stolen funds and holding responsible people accountable.
4- Devising a reformative and comprehensive economic plan.
We We stand with President Aoun and our fellow Lebanese citizens in these tough times against corruption and internal fragmentation, and ask for these reforms to take effect as soon as possible. We are confident that President Aoun will protect Lebanon’s democracy and grant full protection for the judiciary in order for it to carry out its work independently.
THE UNITED AUSTRALIAN LEBANESE MOVEMENT
SYDNEY – MELBOUNE – BRISBANE – ADELAIDE – CANBERRA
Correspondence: UALM, REAR 231 Moreland Road Coburg VIC 3058
