Kataeb political bureau urges stronger border control, slams Hezbollah's dictates
The Kataeb's Political Bureau held its weekly meeting under the leadership of party chief Samy Gemayel. After reviewing recent developments and the past week’s events, it issued the following statement:
1- The Political Bureau expresses deep concern over the unfolding events along the Syrian coast and their potential repercussions on Lebanon, particularly in the northern regions. It commends the Lebanese Army for its swift action in quelling attempts to incite unrest in Tripoli.
The Bureau urges security forces to tighten border controls and closely monitor both legal and illegal crossings, especially in light of the recent influx of thousands of Syrian families into Lebanon. This measure is essential to prevent a renewed escalation of the refugee crisis and its resulting impact on Lebanon’s internal stability.
2- The recent statements made by Hezbollah’s Secretary-General, Sheikh Naim Qassem, have once again demonstrated that he remains out of touch with reality, either deliberately or out of a misguided sense of cleverness.
The Political Bureau affirms that Hezbollah is in no position to impose conditions on the Lebanese State, dictate the government’s agenda, or link reform and economic recovery to reconstruction efforts—particularly after shifting the responsibility onto the Lebanese State. Nor does it have the authority to set deadlines for the State to reclaim its sovereignty, which it undermined through its reckless wars, ultimately culminating in a ceasefire agreement it willingly accepted. It is, therefore, high time for Hezbollah to step aside and allow the President and the Prime Minister to act freely, as the era of imposed dictates is over.
3- Given Lebanon’s mounting security challenges and pressing economic crisis, the Political Bureau stresses the urgent need to finalize key appointments as swiftly as possible to ensure a serious and effective reform process. It hopes this step will be carried out without the outdated political considerations of the past and instead be guided strictly by merit and integrity.
4- The Political Bureau welcomes the latest breakthrough in the Beirut Port explosion investigation, with Judicial Investigator Tarek Bitar now able to fully resume his inquiries.
The party commends Justice Minister Adel Nassar for fostering the conditions necessary for this progress, thanks to his persistent efforts to clear the obstacles that have stood in the way of justice for the victims.
