Former Prime Minister and the President of Future Movement Mr Fouad Seniora Lectures at Beirut Arab University

Under the Patronage of Beirut Arab University Prof. Amr Galal El Adawi, the Public Relations Administration organized a lecture delivered by Former Prime Minister and the Head of Future Movement Mr. Fouad Seniora.
The lecture was entitled ““Lebanon and the Changes in the Arab Region” which was held at Jamal Abdel Nasser Hall- Beirut Campus, was attended in addition to the president of BAU, the Secretary General Dr. Omar Houri who moderated the lecture, Vice BAU Presidents, Deans, Professors, and crowd of political, military, economic  and distinguished audience.
After playing the National and BAU Anthems, a film about Mr. Fouad Seniora was screened highlighted the main political stages of his political life.
The Secretary General of Beirut Arab University Dr. Omar Houri welcomed the guest mentioning that Mr. Seniora is one of the remarkable figures who passed in the history of Lebanon. He pointed out in his speech the important roles Mr. Seniora played in both the economic and the political fields and mentioned that the title of the lecture is very inviting to talk in the light of the many changes and developments in both Lebanon and the Arabic Region. Then, Mr. Seniora started his lecture by pointing out that “In the wake of the destructive civil wars, the Lebanese constitution was drafted and developed in accordance with the various phases, until it became obvious that the existing formulation was difficult to pursue. Lebanon entered a phase of civil wars until the people realized that continuing civil wars was futile, and El Taef Agreement was reached”. Seniora further pointed out that “We established this agreement with the help of the Arabs. Lebanon succeeded in recognizing through this Agreement all Lebanese constituents, stating that there is no one party that may rule alone”.
He said: “Despite the difficult experiences we have been through, I stress the need to adhere to the spirit of settlement established by “El Taef”, which produced a constitution we all respect and uphold more than any time before”. Seniora also emphasized that “There is no stick of salvation but to insist on an independent sovereign state that embraces all, in a civil state qualified to combat terrorism.”
He again called for “the election of a new president who enjoys the people’s support; a president who brings together the people. I call for the election of a president not for the imposition of a president.” He further requested that “the Lebanese example of reconciliation be mainstreamed to the Arab states suffering from wars.” Seniora added, “Hezbollah stands in the way of presidential elections, in an attempt to impose upon the Lebanese a particular candidate”. He pointed out that “some influential political parties in Lebanon aim to discredit this system, forcing it towards change, or changing its rules despite the will of the majority.”
In the light of this, Seniora argued that Hezbollah relies upon Iran and its weapons, in the fierce and consecutive traumas raging through the Arab region now. These incidents include the aggravation of the Palestinian plight, the regression of the role of Egypt in the Arab World, which has contributed to the strategic imbalance in the region, followed by the disintegration of Iraq and its army in the wake of the American invasion and the internal turmoil, as well as the devastating wars raging for years through Syria, Libya and Yemen. At the same time, Iranian military and intelligence interventions in some Arab states have increased.
In addition, there are factors that intensified aspects of fanaticism, extremism and violence in the Arab region. In Lebanon, the severity of these consequences have been exacerbated because of the participation of Hezbollah, with Iranian backing, in the conflict in Syria on the side of the ruling regime – a regime that is murderous and oppressive, causing the migration of his people, destroying the country and rejecting reform. Hezbollah also intervenes in the conflict in Yemen and other parts of the Arab World.
Seniora also pointed out that “We are going through thorny issues and difficulties, and that we should not lose faith in ourselves and our countries. This is something that we should think of, for the problems are difficult, but if we set our compass right, we can follow the path that would lead us to a genuine solution.”
At the end of the lecture, President of Beirut Arab University Prof. Amr Galal El Adawi offered Mr. Seniora BAU Shield of Appreciation and a round of questions was opened for the audience whereby discussions took place.