The Guardians of the Cedars Party issued the following weekly communiqué:

All indications are that the situation in the regions east of Beirut is very dangerous. There is talk about a race for armament and mobilization, and calls for infighting have silenced all other discussions. This means that the political leaderships in those regions have not learned any of the harsh lessons of the past, and they persist in leading people to collective suicide and the country to the abyss, and to the destruction of what remains of the “Christian existence”.

We therefore call those concerned to an awakening of their consciences, to shoulder their responsibilities, to abandon individualistic selfishness, to resort to the discourse of reason and dialogue in settling their political differences, and to refrain from undertaking any military adventures that will result this time in the defeat of everyone and the loss of everything.

We also call on all our comrades not to become involved in any internal fighting no matter what the reasons and motives, in adherence with the discipline our party is known for. We also wish that supporters and members of the other friendly parties and movements shun the language of violence and incitement and reject orders to become involved in futile wars between members of the same community and the same family, as was the case in early 1990. They should not offer themselves as cannon fodder for political conflicts.

We urge the State to assume its responsibilities in protecting the citizens, putting a lid on the phenomenon of arms buildup, shutting down the training camps and placing everyone under the authority of the State. The rule should be: Weapons belong only in the Army’s hands, and no one outside the framework of the military institution should be armed. 

Lebanon, at your service
Abu Arz
September 27, 2007