Beirut: The Kataeb Party's political bureau held its weekly meeting under the leadership of the party's First Vice President, Dr. Bernard Gerbaka. The session began with a moment of silence for the victims of the August 4 Beirut port explosion, including the party's late Secretary-General, Nizar Najarian. The meeting resulted in a statement addressing several pressing issues facing Lebanon.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the Kataeb Party emphasized Hezbollah's refusal to discuss its weapons as a violation of the Constitution and the law, placing the state in a precarious position. The party highlighted recent comments by U.S. envoy Tom Barrack, warning that Lebanon is running out of time. The Kataeb Party called for the state to assert its authority and enforce the rule of law across Lebanon to prevent political or security deterioration, especially considering international warnings about the failure to implement resolutions like Resolution 1701.
In recognition of Lebanese Army Day on August 1, the Kataeb Party expressed its congratulations and appreciation to the Lebanese Armed Forces. The party reaffirmed its trust in the army as a unifying institution and the protector of Lebanese citizens and territory. It stressed the importance of supporting the military by providing proper weaponry and improving living conditions for its personnel.
The political bureau also urged for the passage of essential reform laws in the upcoming parliamentary session, including laws on judicial independence, restructuring the banking sector, and activating the public-private partnership law. These reforms are seen as crucial for restoring trust and reviving the economy. The Kataeb Party reiterated its demand for Lebanese expatriates to have voting rights and called for the abolition of the six parliamentary seats allocated to them, emphasizing the need for immediate action by the Speaker of Parliament.
As the anniversary of the Beirut port explosion approaches, the party praised the efforts of investigative judge Tarek Bitar and the progress made in the probe. It also commended Justice Minister Adel Nassar for protecting the investigation's independence. The party urged Judge Bitar to expedite the indictment process to serve justice to the victims' families.
Additionally, the bureau addressed a recent crime in the Maameltein area, supporting the Interior Minister's decision to implement strict measures and calling for a sustainable security plan to reassure citizens and dismantle networks shielding illegal activities.