BEIRUT: Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea congratulated the Lebanese on the 68th anniversary of the country’s independence, saying that an era of rule of law should follow the past era of occupation.

In a statement Wednesday, Geagea said that the country won its independence after many Lebanese sacrificed their lives for the nation. “I cannot but praise the martyrs who sacrificed their blood so that the nation would live in dignity,” said Geagea, who also telephoned President Michel Sleiman to congratulate him on the occasion of the independence.

According to Geagea, the country’s independence would only be safeguarded if all Lebanese remain united and agree on the full sovereignty and independence of the country. “The unity of Lebanese is a guarantee for the survival of Lebanon, their cooperation is the country’s savior.”