The Press Office of the Presidency of the Republic confirmed that, given the current situation and health conditions in the country, the annual traditional reception to accept congratulations will not be held at Baabda Palace in celebration of Independence Day.

It is noteworthy that the President of the Republic, Michel Aoun, addressed the Lebanese on the eve of Independence Day, considering that “Forty percent of this presidential term passed without a government, because the formation processes were stalled by artificial obstacles and clashes, which delayed treatments and exacerbated crises.”

Aoun added that independence requires daily battles to preserve it and recover what we have lost to get out of the stressful reality in which our homeland and our people are floundering, and it requires sincere cooperation between all the country’s components, groups and individuals.

Aoun said that that positive signals have begun to emerge to reach an agreement that guarantees Lebanon’s interest and sovereignty over its waters and natural resources, thus leading to the resumption of the oil and gas exploration operation.” He added that Internal concerns, no matter how numerous, cannot make us forget about the real confrontation to defend our sovereignty, liberate our remaining occupied territories, and protect our rights in our waters. Our first choice has been and still is to engage in indirect negotiations for the demarcation of our Southern maritime borders.