On the occasion of the twenty fifth anniversary of the foundation of the Party of the Guardians of the Cedars-National Lebanese Movement, the Chief of the Party issued the following communiqué:
Comrades,
Southerners,
Lebanese,
Quarter of a century has elapsed since the foundation of our Party, Destiny has decreed
that it should be as old as the war, its tragedy corresponding to that of the nation, its
path one of prolonged affliction and a permanent baptism of fire.
Quarter of a century has elapsed and the Party had its ups and downs, its dark and bright
days. This is the way of nature and we have to accept it but never to surrender to it.
Our enemies tyrannized us and our wounds deepened, but we continued our struggle.
The people in power tyrannized us and our wounds became more painful, but we continued our
struggle.
Our kinsmen tyrannized us and our wounds deepened, but we continued our struggle.
Comrades,
The circumstances we are facing today are similar to the ones we spoke about at the
beginning of the war, when we said that we are people of tragedy, whose fate is to
confront and whose life is continuous danger.
Since Destiny has decreed that we are people of confrontation we have no choice but to
obey.
And since our life is continuous danger, we have to live in danger and learn to defend it
with everything and every means at our disposal. Danger has become our mode of life and
our second nature.
Comrades,
Beware of rumours and gossip. They are designed to weaken your determination.
Beware of threats and intimidation. They are designed to weaken your resolution.
Beware of the company of defeatists. Don't mingle with them for they will frustrate you.
Hold on to your land, preserve it from pollution and desecration, for your land is your
honour. It is pure and a sacred heritage.
Comrades,
Be on the alert and always ready. Arm your weapons, keep your finger on the trigger and
your eyes on The enemy. If they want war, war they'll get.
We are used to it and have become expert in waging it. But if they want peace, we
are its first supplicants.
Trust that you are the last hope in this age of despair and hopelessness.
And the bright light in this age of gloom.
You represent righteousness in this age of falsehood, good in the face of evil. Be the
spark that inflames the liberation marching up from the South.
Comrades,
The time is hazardous and momentous. Victory is close at hand and the dawn of salvation is
rising and the downfall of evil is at a stone's throw. You must therefore renew your
determination to pursue your march regardless of the difficulties and the sacrifices.
Lebanon is watching you, and his people entreat you. Answer his entreaty.
At the Service of Lebanon,
Etienne Sacre.
Lebanon, 18/4/2000.