Tunis:Free Patriotic Movement leader, MP Gebran Bassil, stated that Lebanon should no longer serve as a battleground for regional confrontations or be used as a bargaining tool in negotiations. He advocated for Lebanon to remain neutral in regional conflicts while fostering strong relations with Arab and Gulf states, neighboring Syria, maintaining respectful ties with Iran, and keeping an open dialogue with the international community, especially the United States and France.
According to National news agency - Lebanon, Bassil commented on the government's decision to control arms, expressing his support for state authority when it makes appropriate decisions. He noted his bloc's backing of government efforts to place weapons under state control and engage in negotiations. However, he criticized the implementation and outcomes of these policies, questioning the value of restricting arms without the ability to enforce such decisions or pursue a consensual approach through dialogue.
Bassil called for a structured, phased roadmap with set deadlines instead of arbitrary decisions that are not implemented, which leave the army responsible. He emphasized the necessity of a roadmap with clear phases, guarantees, defense agreements, and timelines, linking the Israeli withdrawal to Lebanon's protection, strengthening the army, neutralizing Lebanon, consolidating arms under state control, reconstruction, and the return of citizens and detainees.
Bassil made these remarks during a Free Patriotic Movement ceremony on Saturday, commemorating the October 13th anniversary and distributing membership cards to new members.
