Former prime minister, Hassan Diab, said in an issued statement on Friday: “The glorious Christmas is back while Lebanon is passing through a difficult stage, and the Lebanese are destined to continue carrying the heavy accumulated burdens, and to withstand the difficulties facing them, because they are waiting for the birth of a homeland that reassures them of the future of their children… May the light of Christmas shine above the sky of this tormented homeland to illuminate the future of our oppressed people and put an end to the darkness.”

He added: “The darkness must end with a coming dawn… even if it is long overdue,” expressing his warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and renewed hope for all the Lebanese.