Lebanon marks 20 years since Syrian withdrawal, National Liberal Party calls for sovereignty and disarmament

BEIRUT — On the 20th anniversary of the Syrian withdrawal from Lebanese territory, the National Liberal Party (NLP) issued a poignant statement emphasizing the need to protect Lebanon’s sovereignty and eliminate illegal arms nationwide. The occasion commemorates a pivotal moment in Lebanese history, set into motion by the 14 February 2005 assassination of Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.

“Twenty years have passed since a historic moment inscribed by the will of a free Lebanese people,” the statement declared. “That day marked the end of decades of oppressive guardianship which shackled our national decision-making and heralded the dawn of genuine freedom.” This sentiment resonated with many, encapsulating a collective resolve to safeguard Lebanon’s hard-earned independence.

Political analysts suggest that this anniversary is not merely a celebration but a reminder of ongoing challenges. “While the withdrawal was a monumental achievement, the legacy of Syrian influence still affects Lebanese politics,” remarked Dr. Nour Hitti, a Beirut-based political analyst. “The challenge now is to ensure that sovereign borders and effective governance are maintained in the face of new pressures.”

The NLP’s statement paid tribute to those who sacrificed during the years of occupation. “Today, we remember every martyr, wounded, and detainee who contributed to driving out the Syrian forces,” the statement noted. It also highlighted Lebanon’s ongoing struggles: “Our greatest challenge lies in repatriating displaced populations, clearly demarcating our land borders, and decisively removing all traces of illegal arms to pave the way for a fully functional, sovereign state.”

*بيان حزب الوطنيّين الأحرار في مناسبة الذكرى العشرين لانسحاب الجيش السوري من لبنان*

عشرون عامًا مضت على لحظةٍ تاريخيّة كتبتها إرادةُ شعبٍ لُبنانيٍّ حُرّ، فشكّلت فاصلاً بين الوصاية الّتي كبّلت القرار الوطنيّ لعقودٍ، والحرّيّة الّتي ما برحت علّة وجود لبنان.

وإذ نستذكرُ اليوم كُلّ… pic.twitter.com/1u3BqtxFLC

— Camille Dory Chamoun (@CamilleDChamoun) April 28, 2025

The historical significance of Syria’s presence in Lebanon was not overlooked. Syrian forces initially entered Lebanon in 1976 under the guise of “Arab Deterrent Forces” and remained under the Taif Agreement framework until Hariri’s assassination spurred domestic and international demands for their withdrawal. The NLP underscored the urgency of implementing border security measures and curbing the unregulated smuggling of arms to address the remnants of this period.

The declaration concluded with a hopeful message: “We firmly believe that Lebanon will endure, and that all forms of occupation are destined to fade away.” This optimism, echoed in public discourse and reinforced by community leaders, envisions a future where Lebanon’s sovereignty is fully restored and protected.