Beirut, on November 21, 2013
 

At the occasion of seventieth commemoration of Lebanon’s Independence, his Eminence the Sheikh Akl of the Druze Unitarian Community the Sheikh Naim Hassan pronounced the following declaration:
The independence commemoration for this year coincidences with the horrible risks that are hitting Lebanon and the surrounding serious circumstances that are threatening its security, stability and its continuance as one united independent nation, which provokes strong troubles and requires that all the Lebanese people of all categories and classes be cautious of the high risk and seriousness of this period and that they make their conscience, understanding, union and dialogue govern over all the other factors.
However, the consciousness required from all the citizens in order to preserve their country shall be accompanied by the assuming of the leaders for their obligations in protecting civil peace, keeping the country far away from the fire of mortal conflicts, being permanently cautious from the Israeli enemy, anchoring national union, immunizing coexistence and diversity, maintaining the constitutional institutions, reinforcing and supporting the army, the forces and the security bodies and promoting the law and the concepts of building the State. This is the only way we get to protect Lebanon’s independence.