- Before I start my speech, I want to thank Speaker Nabih Berri because he proved that despite our political disputes, he acts as speaker of the house - and sent MP Robert Fadel to represent him.

- I want to salute my friend, Prime Minister Saad Hariri, who is represented by Minister Hassan Mneimneh.

- I salute the faith and determination of my comrades and of the Lebanese who, despite all the oppression, struggled and confronted the injustice [dealt] toward them. Their struggle was most evident on that historic day of March 14, in that historic year of 2005.

- Some might ask: "Should we repeat the names of the martyrs of the Cedar Revolution?" Of course, and at all times, because we owe them our freedom and our sovereignty and independence. We also deserve truth and justice for their assassinations.

- Why are there all these campaigns against the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL)?

- What have those launching these campaigns seen the STL [doing], to start issuing accusations against it?

- Some say that international Zionism and imperialism have started meddling with the STL's work, and will use it toward achieving their political interests. What has the STL issued up to this point [to warrant] such theories?

- Give us simple proof, and we will be the first to object and condemn its work. We are the families of the martyrs.

- Others say that it is better for the STL not to continue its work if it will hinder stability in Lebanon. Why [are they suggesting] this hypothesis? Regardless, how can the STL's work hinder Lebanon's stability?

- If the findings and evidence of the STL are politicized or forged, this will be revealed immediately because the STL's work is not secretive. Everyone will examine every detail of the prosecution. However, we will not accept giving up the blood of our martyrs in any situation.

- If the STL's evidence is accurate and certain, then why does this hinder Lebanon's stability?

-    They are trying to take our second  independence away from us.

-   The war against all the constitutional institutions is the main proof. Someone wants the president to resign for reasons we do not understand. Others attack the parliament, its commissions, and the political parties - and threaten that there will be no municipal elections unless [carried out] under their own conditions.   

- Some use a US agreement on equipment and training with the Internal Security Forces and the Lebanese army [the 2007 ISF-US cooperation agreement] to attack the previous cabinet and the ISF. Meanwhile, others reinforce Palestinian military bases outside the refugee camps and send more weapons, while we were expecting the opposite.

- The attack today is stronger than ever, but we will confront it with confidence and courage.

- I call on all of you to unite in backing our constitutional institutions again: starting with the presidency, cabinet and parliament - as well as the public administration and military institutions.

- The Lebanese state and freedom in the country is at stake. The only way to face this danger is through the constitutional institutions and law.

- I wish I could talk about the economy, education, environment, infrastructure, development and the people's daily concerns. But, Lebanon is in danger. The danger is of its decisions being monopolized and its freedom taken again. The biggest danger is of Lebanon being sacrificed in the complicated regional crises, that is why the March 14 alliance held its last meeting [in Bristol] under the title "Protecting Lebanon."

- Yes, preserving and protecting Lebanon is our eternal priority.

- Lebanon cannot be protected and there can be no national defense strategy without the state. There can be no state if it is not the sole decision maker.

- An absent state is the biggest favor we [could] offer to Lebanon's enemies, primarily Israel. The state is missing from many things happening in the military and security fields.

- The second biggest favor we [could] offer to Lebanon's enemies, [again] primarily Israel, is domestic divide. The main element in creating internal division is not allowing all parties to voice their opinions on any issue - including Hezbollah's weapons. Some are stopping others from voicing their opinions by accusing them of treason.

- We should put the decision of defending Lebanon in the hands of the cabinet as soon as possible. We should also carry out an in-depth and serious discussion of the national defense strategy in the national dialogue sessions. Protecting Lebanon cannot be achieved if one party monopolizes the decision to protect Lebanon.

- The Lebanese cabinet and all the Arab governments should make every effort to ensure the Mideast peace efforts succeed. There can be no solution to the region and the world's problems without a fair and final solution to the Palestinian cause.

- I will not address the LF party's [internal] issues today. I announce that after four years of hard work, the draft of the party's internal system is complete. It will be distributed to the party's branches to gather their remarks. In mid-April, we will launch the first general conference for the Lebanese Forces.

- I urge the Christians to hold on to Lebanon and to integrate [themselves] into the state's administration and institutions.