Tampa, Florida
March 13, 2005
Antoine Faddoul
Around 250 demonstrators from all ages chanted the words “Freedom –
Sovereignty – Independence” in Tampa, Florida Sunday afternoon recalling
the anti-Syrian daily demonstrations in Lebanon. Lebanese and American
flags, and red-and-white ribbons filled Tampa City Hall Plaza in
solidarity with the “Cedar Revolution” in Lebanon. The protestors
represented all religions and sects of Lebanon and they described
their actions as support to the peaceful independence movement in
Lebanon, and as an act of gratitude for the American administration and
the international efforts in support for a free democratic Lebanon.
Antoine Faddoul, one of the organizers, addressed the crowd after
playing the American and Lebanese nation anthems saying “We want to tell
the freedom fighters in Lebanon that we are demonstrating with them, we
are breathing with them, we are praying with them, and as they go
tomorrow to mark the one month anniversary of the assassination of
Ex-premier Hariri in the Freedom Square in Beirut, we are here chanting
with them Freedom – Sovereignty – Independence”.
The crowd chanted pro-independence and anti-Syrian slogans in
solidarity with the large pro-independence demonstration expected in
Beirut tomorrow. Some participants indicated that they have been calling
their relatives in Lebanon, urging them to participate in tomorrow’s
demonstration in Beirut – Around a million freedom protestors are
expected in Beirut Monday.
The crowd denounced the assassination of former premier Rafic Hariri
and called for international investigation into the assassination. They
also demanded the immediate withdrawal of Syrian troops and secret
service apparatus from Lebanon per UNSCR 1559, and the formation of an
interim government charged with conducting democratic national elections
under the supervision of the United Nations.
The demands included the disarming of all militias in Lebanon, and
the deployment of the Lebanese army over the whole Lebanese territories,
as well as releasing the Lebanese detainees in Syrian prisons.
Michelle Haddad told the local media that it is the first time the
Lebanese people demonstrate in Tampa, and that they did so because of
the importance of the event “all the people in Lebanon are united for
their independence, and we are here supporting them – we only wish we
were now in Beirut, participating in liberating Lebanon with them” .
Darwiche Sabaeh, who led the crowd chanting “We only want the
Lebanese army in Lebanon”, answered to a local TV channel: “we accept
only the Lebanese army in Lebanon. In addition to the Syrian withdrawal,
we demand the disarming of all militias in Lebanon”. Replying to another
question, Tony Saoud stressed on the unity between Christians and
Muslems in the battle for independence, which has been clearly seen in
the diversity of the participants of the many demonstrations which have
taken place in Lebanon and abroad.
Red and white ribbons were distributed to the crowd symbolizing the
colors of the peaceful revolution in Lebanon. The protestors carried
portraits of Lebanese leaders believed to be assassinated in Lebanon
by Syrian army agents. The crowd emphasized on revealing the truth and
uncovering those reponsible for the assassination of ex-premier
Hariri, and on relieving the major security officers in Lebanon of
their power, who are linked directly to the Syrian intelligence
regime, and have failed in their duty of maintaining Lebanese
security. The demonstrators informed the local media reporters that
they believe the free world support Lebanon’s cause because they seek
the three vital aspects of the free world: Truth, Freedom and
Democracy.
Some signs read “We want the TRUTH”, “Syria Out Now- UNSCR 1559”,
“Assad = Saddam”, and “Release the detainees in Syrian prisons”, among
others.
One sign showed a caricature from the “Internationa! l Herald” showing
the Syrian troops starting to withdraw after looting Lebanon while
claiming to help the Lebanese. The protestors added a comment in
Arabic script using Syrian dialect saying “Saadtoona Mooo!” = “ You
helped us – Haven't you!”
Tampa’s demonstration was the largest protest for
Lebanon's Freedom in the United States this weekend, were other
demos took place in Chicago and Los Angles. Around 30 demonstrations
took place in several cities in the United States since February 16,
4005 in solidarity with the independence movement in Lebanon.
