The challenges Lebanon faces currently outweigh its people – up to 80 people gathered in Moorebank, a suburb in Sydney’s West, on 17 November, to hear about how the country is suffering from economic disparity and an under-resourced government that limits its capacity to respond to threats, such as the current conflict and possibility of future attacks.
Dr. Naji Hayek, an international diplomatic representative and Vice President of the Lebanese Free Patriotic Movement, met with representatives of Lebanese-Australian associations, members of the Lebanese-Australian community, and representatives of Lebanon’s political parties and associations in Australia, as well as notable guests, including Dr. David Saliba, the local Member for Fairfield, and Sylva Mezher, Executive Producer at the SBS, to discuss the need for a National Defence Strategy.
The event, hosted by Oz Arab Media, focused on the diplomatic efforts needed in Australia, and around the world, to rebuild Lebanon’s government and institutions, as well as maintaining the country’s independence from foreign influences.
Retired Officer from the Lebanese Army, Director of Oz Arab Media and CEO of Remy Wehbe Investments, Mr. Remy Wehbe, opened the event by acknowledging the value of supporting greater diplomatic relationships between Australia and Lebanon. Mr. Remy Wehbe served for nearly twenty years in the Lebanese Army to support sovereignty and democratic freedom in the country.
“Oz Arab Media is proud to host politicians/diplomats, from different political opinions in Lebanon, visiting Australia in order to reflect its unique democratic political system in Lebanon and strengthen ties between Lebanon to Australia.”
Remy emphasised on the value of having diverse viewpoints within the Lebanese political ecosystem, which embodies similar values to Australia, and does no exist in other parts of the Middle East.
“The driving idea of Oz Arab Media is to encourage harmony and moderation amongst the Lebanese community similar to what we have in Australia.
Our politics (Lebanon’s parliament and structure) aim to bring diversity of thought. We, the Lebanese people, need to believe in the value of our government, its institutions, and its army.
We (Oz Arab Media) believe in one united Lebanon. We believe in the potential of the Lebanese institutions and united defence force that supports its people. No one community is greater than its country Lebanon, and no armed forces should be above the national Lebanese Army,” said Mr. Remy Wehbe.
On a separate note, Remy acknowledged the resilience and positive nature of the Lebanese, which is reflected in the way they have treated their brethren and supported displaced communities from the south of Lebanon, despite the political differences in opinion.
Dr Naji. emphasised the need to develop and implement a National Defence Strategy that safeguards Lebanon’s sovereignty, better equips Lebanon to survive the conflict, and protects Lebanon now and in the generations to come. This strategy should outline how international representatives from around the world, including Australia and the US, can better support a fairer and safer Lebanon.
“Lebanon has been bleeding. Lots of people have been leaving, lots of people have lost their lives.
Foreign influences come to our country and bring their ideas. We are run by people and you don’t know who they are. Lebanon cannot survive with many weapons being held by many political parties. This is not just Lebanese forces, but forces outside Lebanon. We need a Defence Strategy (that) includes diplomacy and important ways of bringing back the economy,” said Dr. Naji Hayek.
Dr. Abraham Constantin, President of the Continental Council of the Australian Lebanese Cultural Union, echoed concerns within the community in Australia about the loss of lives in Lebanon and the need for unity within Lebanon’s government, so that there is a coordinated effort targeted towards building a safer and stronger country that better embraces diverse thought and political opinion without sacrificing democratic rights and the rule of law.
“We (Lebanon) need to champion unity, reform and resilience. There needs to be a commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty and a continued love for our homeland.
We (the Lebanese community) can no longer bear the burdens of other people’s tragedies. We need courage to rebuild the resilience of the Lebanese people. Lebanon can and will rise again.
Australia is a powerful example of a society that was built on fairness and what can be achieved when unity and progress come together,” said Dr. Abraham.
In his speech, Dr. Abraham recognised the sacrifice of the Lebanese people who served in the defence of their country and their right to democratic freedom. He called on the Lebanese community to unite in paying tribute to this sacrifice by supporting the unity of the Lebanese parliament and defence force.
Dr. David Saliba, Local Member for Fairfield, acknowledged the patriotism for Lebanon at the event and its importance in staying connected to cultural heritage and family overseas. He remarked on the government’s efforts, as well as his role in the community, to support people from Lebanon and other countries in rebuilding their lives in Australia following their escape from the conflict in the Middle East.
“I empower members of my community (the Fairfield community) to rebuild their lives as they choose Fairfield as their home. Thank you to your contribution to the Australian community.”
The Lebanese-Australian community, along with other community groups within Australia, is encouraged to contact Dr. Naji Hayek and members of the Oz Arab media team to gain a better understanding of this collective diplomatic effort for Lebanon.
