Progressive Socialist Party MP Marwan Hamadeh said in an exclusive interview with NOW on Friday that Druze are loyal by nature, and therefore loyalty to assassinated Prime Minister Rafik Hariri is a duty in response to whether or not PSP members – who are predominantly Druze – take part in the February 14 commemoration of Rafik Hariri’s killing. He noted that Lebanese Druze were part of the Cedar Revolution’s launching.

He also said that participation in the ceremony reinforces the 2009 election results and people’s commitment to constitutional institutions, freedom, democracy and Arab commitments. The commemoration is also an opportunity to show the public’s rejection to putting Lebanon’s safety and security on the line.

Hamadeh touched on Syrian-Lebanese relations, saying, “If we want a balanced relationship with Damascus, we must express it on February 14.”

He also said that participating in the event is to voice support for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL), state-building, army control of all weapons, and restricting war and peace decisions to the state.

“Everybody is welcome, but the occasion’s purpose in known,” added Hamadeh.

Calm rhetoric is not synonymous with accepting the return of Syrian tutelage nor with abandoning democracy values, he said, adding the STL will issue the final verdict on the assassinations of politicians over the years.

- NOW Lebanon