INTERVIEW – Lebanon’s Future Movement commemorates ex-Premier Hariri’s legacy, celebrates Assad’s fall

The secretary-general of Lebanon’s Future Movement, Ahmad Hariri, stated that the 20th anniversary of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri’s assassination coincides this year with celebrations over the downfall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, pointing to several challenges facing the new Lebanese government, including the Israeli withdrawal from the south.

In an interview with Anadolu, Hariri emphasized that this anniversary comes amid significant local and regional changes.

Rafik Hariri was assassinated on Feb. 14, 2005, in a massive explosion using 1,800 kg of TNT, killing 21 others, including Economy Minister Bassel Fleihan.

In 2020, the Special Tribunal for Lebanon convicted Hezbollah member Salim Ayyash in absentia for the assassination while acquitting three other party members. However, the court found no evidence implicating Hezbollah’s leadership.

Hezbollah rejects these accusations, refusing to recognize the tribunal, arguing that its goal was to target the party and falsely implicate it in a crime Israel is accused of committing.

‘We will also celebrate Assad’s fall’

Hariri said: “Rafik Hariri was always committed to state-building, uniting Lebanese people around this vision so that they could rely on the state for security and stability.”

He noted: “Hariri entered politics after his involvement in the Taif Agreement, which ended the Lebanese Civil War (1975–1990). He leveraged his international relations to reintegrate Lebanon into the global scene.”

Hariri argued that “recent developments present an opportunity for Lebanon,” emphasizing that “the country’s stability relies on a strong state holding exclusive control over military power and decision-making.”

He pointed out that many Lebanese commemorating the anniversary will also be celebrating Assad’s downfall, stating that “from father (Hafez) to son (Bashar), the Assad regime has had a profoundly negative impact on the lives of Lebanese people.”

Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri is expected to deliver a speech addressing these regional changes, followed by directives for the future movement on navigating the upcoming period, he added.

Hariri emphasized: “The Future Movement remains active despite Saad Hariri’s 2022 decision to suspend political participation,” clarifying that “the party continues to engage with its supporters while abstaining from government and parliamentary participation.”

Challenges for new government

Regarding the newly formed government, Hariri stated that “its performance would be judged based on its plans and actions.”

He expressed “optimism following the election of President Joseph Aoun,” hoping for “a new era that would end the hardships Lebanese people have endured since the economic collapse in 2019.”

However, he acknowledged that “rectifying past injustices against Lebanon’s Sunni community would take time and must be addressed in upcoming political milestones.”

On Feb. 8, President Aoun signed a decree forming a new 24-member government led by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.

Hariri highlighted key challenges facing the new administration, including “Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon and its continued violations of Lebanese sovereignty.”

He cited Israeli plans to maintain military outposts inside Lebanon despite an agreement setting a withdrawal deadline for Feb. 18.

On Thursday, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri stated that Washington informed him of Israel’s intention to retain five observation points beyond the withdrawal deadline.

Since the agreement took effect 80 days ago, Israel has committed 923 violations in Lebanon, killing 73 people and injuring 265 others, according to an Anadolu tally based on official Lebanese data.

Another challenge, Hariri warned, is “the proposed forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, which could destabilize the entire region, including Lebanon.”

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly suggested relocating Palestinians to neighboring countries, particularly Egypt and Jordan. However, these countries, along with other nations and international organizations, have rejected the proposal.

On Lebanon’s economic crisis, Hariri acknowledged “the hardships faced by citizens” and called for “dialogue on the issue of Hezbollah’s weapons,” urging the group to “reassess the pros and cons of its continued armed presence.”

He also urged Hezbollah to “reconsider its ties to Iran,” questioning whether the party’s military involvement still protects Lebanon.

“The reality has proven otherwise,” he said, adding: “Hezbollah fought alone in the recent war without direct support from its regional allies.”

Hariri argued: “Iran’s influence in the region has weakened, though it remains a destabilizing force through its proxy networks in various countries.” He warned: “Iran’s continued interference in Syria is particularly concerning as Tehran openly seeks to reshape the post-Assad landscape.”

Praise for Türkiye’s role

Regarding Türkiye’s regional role, Hariri commended President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s approach to the Syrian crisis.

He noted: “Erdogan initially pursued reconciliation efforts with Assad at Russia’s request but changed course when Assad failed to seize the opportunity.”

Hariri credited “Türkiye’s strategy with accelerating Assad’s downfall,” stating that “Ankara invested in stability rather than chaos, unlike Iran.”

He contrasted Türkiye’s approach in Palestine with Iran’s, accusing Tehran of “trying to divide Gaza and the West Bank under the guise of support.”

“Türkiye has never pursued a divisive policy in Palestine, seeing it as one unified cause,” he said.

Hariri further emphasized: “While tensions previously existed between Türkiye and some Arab nations, Erdogan took the initiative to mend relations, making historic visits to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.”

He also praised “Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s diplomatic efforts during Syria’s transition,” describing his outreach to Arab states as a “reassuring gesture that Syria is moving toward stability and reintegration into the Arab world.”

Concluding his remarks, Hariri stressed “the need for a collective effort to rebuild Syria, including contributions from Türkiye and Arab nations.”

On Dec. 8, 2024, Syrian anti-regime groups took full control of Damascus after capturing several other cities, ending 61 years of Baath Party rule and 53 years of Assad family dominance.