[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 184 (Saturday, November 18, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S17466-S17467]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 ANNIVERSARY OF LEBANON'S INDEPENDENCE

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, this month we mark the 52d 
anniversary of the independence of Lebanon. Each 

[[Page S 17467]]
year as we mark the anniversary, Lebanese-Americans and the friends of 
Lebanon reflect on Lebanon's past and look ahead as it rebuilds for the 
future.
  Six years after World War I, Lebanon was declared a republic, through 
still under French mandate. When France's World War II Vichy government 
was forced to surrender to Allied forces in July 1941, the Free French 
officially declared Lebanon independent on November 26. Elections took 
place during the summer of 1943, and by November 1943, when the new 
government took over, the French mandate was effectively terminated.
  In the same year, Christian and Moslem leaders in Lebanon negotiated 
an agreement called the National Pact, which defined Lebanon as a 
distinct, sovereign country. The agreement was based on the principle 
of equitable religious representation in government and administration. 
The country's Maronite Christian, Sunni Moslem, Shia Moslem, and Druze 
populations were all represented in Lebanon's new parliament.
  Lebanon's new system of government functioned effectively until 1975, 
when the country was thrust into a civil war. Tragic domestic upheaval 
persisted until 1989, the year that the Taif Agreement ended the civil 
war. The Taif Agreement was intended to lead to full restoration of 
Lebanon's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
  Of course, the Taif Agreement has not yet led to the fulfillment of 
these goals. However, it has been a stepping stone toward peace in 
Lebanon. Beirut is more tranquil and Lebanon's free-market economy 
continues to recover after the years of turmoil the civil war produced. 
Despite these successes, Lebanon continues to suffer the presence of 
foreign soldiers, further hindering the rebuilding of the country.
  Peace within Lebanon depends greatly on peaceful relations with its 
neighbors. This peace cannot permanently take root in Lebanon until 
Lebanon is able to fully regain its national sovereignty and settle is 
differences with its neighbors in the region.
  I believe it is important for the Lebanese people, as well as anyone 
who holds an interest in the region, to honor Lebanon's independence 
and to reflect on the spirit of the agreement on which modern Lebanon 
was founded. Lebanon has shown its great resilience. And, the Lebanese 
people, in all of their diversity, have shown their ability, in the 
past, to work together peacefully for a stronger Lebanon. We all hope 
that the future of Lebanon is bright, and that the people of Lebanon 
will come together to build on this land's rich heritage.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The majority leader is recognized.
  Mr. DOLE. Thank you, Mr. President.

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