Lebanon has taught me
Open letter by Najib Mikati

All sociologists and political scientists unanimously agree that one's country is worthy of having its citizens' devotion without expecting anything in return and without limits; a country deserves all sacrifices no matter how big, ranging from the overcoming of personal and present interests to the nobleness of martyrdom.

Countries live from these offerings and are exalted by sacrifice, especially if that country is Lebanon.

Lebanon's importance is reflected by its qualities. Lebanon is an important as its role and the message it carries.

Lebanon is the model of humanity's cultural challenges, the democracy of religious diversity, and the blessing of tolerance.

Lebanon is a test for mankind, proving him to have a noble nature and deserving of noble qualities.

Lebanon the message, the model country, is worthy of giving and no sacrifices are too high for it.

I have known Lebanon since I was born; we shared ambition and suffering. Lebanon the country of freedom; Lebanon the country of education; and Lebanon the country of sincerity and seriousness, as much as it is Lebanon the targeted country, the country of religious sects and feudalism.

I have known it as a student free of fanaticism or discrimination. I have known it as a productive citizen working in the private sector, fighting obstacles and overcoming difficulties. I have known it as a minister with years of experience. I have known it as an MP who was honored to have carried the trust of his people in Parliament. And I have known it as a prime minister during a very sensitive phase in the country's destiny.

My acquaintance with Lebanon is growing stronger with each passing day and my pride in belonging to that country is increasing, and every day that brings a new harvest, I ask my self every night, what has Lebanon taught me?

Lebanon as a country has taught me that it is the country of consensus and true partnership among citizens; it cannot prosper unless it is ruled through consensus.

Lebanon as a state has taught me that it is a gift for its people, provided that we be unified regardless of our diversity, as open as its shore, pure in our national partnership as snow, immunized against discrimination like its high mountains, and rich in ideas and creativity like its fertile plains.

Lebanon has taught me that the impossible was an illusion after its liberation was completed, or almost completed, through the noble resistance that increases the country's dignity due to the Lebanese people's unity, and which should continue.

Lebanon has taught me, as a citizen, that a healthy internal situation prevents foreign interference and covetousness. Preventing any internal instability protects Lebanon from outside whims and dangers.

Lebanon has taught me, and the Lebanese as well, that it is suffering from deals, disputes, the lowliness of souls and principles.

Lebanon the country of justice has taught me the dangers and injustice of adopting selectivity and revenge; comprehensive justice cannot be selective or discretional, and revenge is an ill hindering the nobleness of citizenship and the essence of the social pact.

Lebanon has taught me, and the Lebanese as well, that it aspires to willful reform on the political, administrative, financial and judicial levels, and is eager for positive change after growing tired of discretional power and exhausted by squandering and corruption.

Lebanon has taught me that it is suffering from strife and the stirring of strife.

Lebanon has taught me, and the Lebanese as well, that it is immune, like Greek Heroes, except in its Achilles' heel; its only weakness the blind sectarianism threatening Lebanon and contributing to its suffering and delaying it from progress and from the achievement of what it deserves culturally and economically.

Lebanon has taught me that it deserves and is capable of maintaining balanced relations, on the basis of equal partnership, with all sisterly countries, especially Syria, and friendly countries worldwide.

Lebanon has taught me, and the Lebanese youths as well, that its secret lies in its youth and that it is time to involve young people in an active contract for upcoming generations.

Lebanon has taught me, and the Lebanese as well, that it is a country worthy of democracy in harmony with its entity in spreading freedoms of religion, opinion and expression.

Lebanon has taught me that it is like its weather: moderate; like its people: bountiful; like its history: generous and civilized; and like its future: sensitive, fearing dependence and subjection as much as it fears fanaticism, fundamentalism and discrimination.

Today is the dawn of a new phase. I am proud that I have fulfilled my promise and separated national performance and immediate political interests.

Also, today is a crossroads on the path of destiny, a path overcast with the clouds of the unknown and dangers as much as it is opened in the face of a promising future.

I will serve Lebanon just as he taught me to; with no need for political posts. I am proud of my current position as I continue to participate in public life.

Governance is a continuous process as well as belonging to a country and being committed to public life. We will stay with you, for all of Lebanon, because our country is Lebanon, because we are in its own image, and because we will keep our pledge to serve it and deserve its stability, freedom, independence, and prosperity. Lebanon has taught me and it is the best teacher.

Editor's note: The following is a translation of an open letter to Lebanon written by Prime Minister Najib Mikati upon his final day in office as head of an interim caretaker government, and ahead of choosing a new premier Thursday.

The Daily Star – Thursday, June 30, 2005