The Guardians of the Cedars Party issued the following weekly communiqué:
The recent murder in Zahleh and the skirmishes that preceded it in Beirut and other regions are a natural expression of the general climate of tension created by the political establishment throughout the country with the daily incitement of enmity in the hearts and minds of the Lebanese people.
The sad thing about this situation is the stupidity of some people among the Lebanese who obediently and blindly follow the wishes of their leaders and allow themselves to become a tool in their hands, and consequently turn themselves into fuel to feed the fires of their cheap and base disputes.
We hold the political establishment in Lebanon responsible for the consequences of what happened in Zahleh, the events that preceded it, and those that will follow. We believe they are the primary actors in bringing the country to the current brim of catastrophe, which will lead to a wider explosion should they continue in their political posturing.
One glimmer of hope seems to have appeared in the midst of this terrifying darkness, which is the popular action undertaken recently by civil society, represented by the municipal and mayoral councils and some grassroots associations in Jbeil and Kesrouan and Zahleh, which we hope will widen to include the rest of the regions and other grassroots sectors. We hope they will evolve with time into a pressing public opinion that stands up against the merchants of politics and puts an end to their wanton recklessness and disregard for people’s lives and the nation’s future.
It is no secret to anyone that a continued reliance on the existing political establishment is like running after a mirage. All regional and international initiatives will remain unproductive with this class of politicians steeped in corruption and treason. We do not see the light of salvation at the end of the dark tunnel except through a popular uprising that reshuffles the cards anew and turns the tables on everyone.
Lebanon, at your service
Abu Arz