a Twitter thread from @MTVEnglishNews

1.

President Michel Aoun on the first centenary of the declaration of Greater Lebanon: This year has been marked by unprecedented crises and disasters, and hope remains for real change that will help our country rise again

2.

Aoun: The first centenary, despite some periods of prosperity and economic, cultural and institutional renaissance, it was full of quarrels, crises and wars, and we did not know real stability in it except for short periods similar to a truce between a crisis and another; (1/2)

3.

(2/2) Where is the defect? Is it in us, in our system, in our surroundings, or in our destiny?

4.

Aoun: Our society is pluralistic and diverse, and our ancestors envisioned a formula for coexistence based on respect for others and their right to political existence; this succeeded until it was suffocated by the political upheavals in the region, which resulted in wars

5.

Aoun: The Taif Agreement has its strengths and weaknesses which appear in every case, and the youth of Lebanon are calling for change; (1/2)

6.

(2/2) their voices are echoing everywhere calling for regime change, so should we listen to them? I say yes, the time has come, and pluralism is a human and cultural value, and it is what made Lebanon a message and a land of gathering and dialogue

7.

Aoun: There is a need to develop, amend, and change the Lebanese system; call it whatever you want, but it is certain that Lebanon needs a new concept in viewing its affairs, based on citizenship and the civic state

8.

Aoun: I call for Lebanon to be declared a civil state, and I call for a dialogue that includes spiritual authorities and political leaders in order to reach a formula acceptable to all and that appears in the appropriate constitutional amendments

9.

Aoun: Lebanon is no longer a democratic country, for democracy is based on the majority and the minority rule, and Lebanon has several republics, not one republic

10.

Aoun: The Lebanese are the ones who will define the new formula; those who raise the slogan "Everyone means everyone" are part of all of this; some possess the strength and patience and are able to get out of the crisis

11.

Aoun: There is no similarity between the Taif Agreement and the current situation; there is gas in Block 4 and later on we will find out the political conditions that halted its extraction

12.

Aoun: There is a state of shock and anxiety among my people; I did not change and am still the same, but the conflicting external and internal forces formed a barrier in front of me

13.

Aoun: I am still Michel Aoun, and I don't think that others would have tolerated what we are going through; People who lost confidence are anxious and are angry after the tragedies that occurred

14.

Aoun: The investigations into the Beirut port blast are confidential and they must reveal why the ship was loaded with ammonium nitrate, and why it arrived in Lebanon even though it was heading elsewhere, and who is responsible for it

15.

Aoun: Whoever avoids responsibility is not worthy of ruling, and I am not afraid because my hands are clean and I am have a clean conscience

16.

Aoun: I am ready to resign if a member of my family was proven to be involved in corruption; the sectarian system in Lebanon has set limits for all attempts to fight corruption

17.

Aoun: The October 17 movement would have been excellent if it was completed with a certain rationality, and if the people do not bring reform, it will not last

18.

Aoun: The relationship with Bkerke is normal and its political positions are advanced

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