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Mr. John Khoury speech
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Our
gathering today is the reflection of all Lebanese around the world and
especially in Lebanon.
Today our actions speak louder than words. We are united as one
Lebanese people no matter what political, religious or social group we
come from – here and everywhere around world. This gathering is a
powerful message of support to our brothers and sisters back home in
Lebanon, which they will be viewing via the local and international
media here today.
Before we continue, can I ask you all to be up standing for the
Australian and Lebanese anthems!!!
Thank you….
(Pause for anthems)
We
remember Mr Rafik Hariri and all those who died with him. We pray also
for the speedy recovery of the injured, particularly the Beirut MP Mr.
Bassil Fuleihan who was in the same car as Hariri when the deadly bomb
detonated. Mr Fuleihan suffered severe burns to over 90% of his body.
He is presently in a critical condition and remains on artificial life
support in Paris based hospital. Let us now observe a minute’s silence
in honour of Rafik Hariri’s memory and all of Lebanon’s martyrs.
(pause for silence)
Our
gathering here today is not aimed against any country or any party. We
are simply calling for;
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The Unity of The Lebanese people
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Freedom, sovereignty and independence
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An International investigation to determine who was behind the brutal
assassination of the former Lebanese Prime Minister – Rafik Hariri
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supporting free and fair elections in the upcoming Lebanese parliament
elections elections, conducted without any foreign interference or
influence
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The protection from personal harm or intimidation of all the Lebanese
opposition figures
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The unconditional return of all Lebanese political dissidents,
including General Michel Aoun; and the unconditional release of
Lebanese political prisoners held in Lebanon and neighbouring
countries – including Dr. Samir Geagea.
In
the recent rally held in Paris, over 100 French local and federal
parliamentarians attended and supported these important calls. Here
today In Sydney, Australia we are grateful too at the presence of 1
federal and 3 state parliamentarian’s. Thank you to Australia for its
strong tradition of democracy and political which allow for such
gatherings. This is the future Lebanon we seek!!!
The
Australian Lebanese community welcomes the Australian Government’s
recent position re Lebanon: On 29 September 2004 the Honourable
Alexander Downer, Minister for Foreign Affairs, wrote to the
Australian Lebanese Sovereignty Board and confirmed the Federal
Government’s position with respect to Lebanon’s sovereignty. Parts of
the message read:
The
Australian Government shares the commitment of Lebanese Australians to
supporting Lebanon's sovereignty, independence and national unity. It
is matter of principle that the Government fully supports the
withdrawal of foreign troops from Lebanon.
We
now wish to present this an open letter of thanks to the Prime
Minister of Australia and would kindly call on (name to be advised) to
accept and present this letter on behalf of the Australian Lebanese
community today.
Thank you, God bless our great nations Australia and Lebanon!!!
Introduce Speakers…
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