Beirut: The Kataeb Party's Political Bureau convened its weekly meeting, chaired by Party Leader Samy Gemayel, to address the nation's pressing issues. The party issued a statement highlighting the persistent challenge posed by Hezbollah's refusal to disarm, as well as the importance of voter mobilization in the forthcoming municipal elections.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the Kataeb Party criticized Hezbollah for its consistent and dismissive stance on relinquishing its weapons. The party perceives this attitude as a significant contributor to Lebanon's ongoing crises. It also condemned the recent comments by Iran's ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, as undue interference in Lebanon's internal matters, violating diplomatic protocols.
The Kataeb Party reaffirmed its position that decisions regarding illegal arms should rest solely with the Lebanese state. The party emphasized the importance of equipping and empowering the Lebanese Army to exercise authority across the entire nation. It reiterated its demand for the immediate and unconditional disarmament of all factions, stressing that arms should be under the exclusive control of the state and its military.
In light of the upcoming municipal elections, the Kataeb Party sees this as a pivotal moment for change at the local level. The party regards municipalities as foundational to Lebanon's decentralized governance and urges citizens to engage actively in the electoral process. The emphasis is particularly on Beirut, highlighting the need to maintain political and social balances that reflect the city's and the country's character.
The party calls on voters to support qualified candidates with practical governance plans and announces its backing for specific electoral lists and candidates where elections carry broader political significance. In local contests driven by family or community interests, the party grants its members the liberty to choose candidates that align with the public good.
Furthermore, the Kataeb Party commended the Lebanese Cabinet's reform-oriented actions, particularly the draft laws submitted to Parliament, such as the bill on lifting banking secrecy. The party views these legislative efforts as crucial for a meaningful reform agenda and essential to regaining international trust. It urges Parliament to pass these bills promptly to facilitate Lebanon's recovery and restore its credibility on the global stage.