Beirut: Kataeb Party leader and lawmaker Samy Gemayel on Thursday called on Lebanon's government to explain what it has done so far to implement decisions aimed at restoring State sovereignty and bringing all weapons under State control, warning that failure to act could lead to a wider war and leave Lebanon vulnerable to agreements reached over its head. Speaking at a news conference devoted to the government's implementation of its own decisions on State sovereignty, Gemayel said Parliament appeared disconnected from what was happening across Lebanon.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Gemayel thanked Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri for agreeing to postpone a session that coincided with the anniversary of Bashir Gemayel's assassination, allowing for further questioning of the government. He emphasized the importance of a "fundamental and decisive" question submitted by the Kataeb Party regarding the implementation of measures adopted by the government since taking office, which include confining weapons to the State and specific decisions made on August 5, August 7, March 2, and April 9.
Gemayel highlighted the clarity of these decisions, which focus on enforcing the law and Constitution, ensuring equality among Lebanese, and ensuring that weapons are held exclusively by the State. However, he questioned the implementation of these decisions and the government's progress in enforcing them, particularly concerning the army's plan to bring weapons under State control and consolidating State control over arms.
He expressed concerns shared by the Lebanese public, questioning what had been done to enforce the Cabinet's decisions, the army's plan, and the consolidation of State control over weapons. He also questioned whether areas not involved in current fighting had been addressed and what deadlines had been set by the government for carrying out these decisions.
Gemayel stressed the importance of holding the government accountable for its decisions and promises, emphasizing that these questions were raised out of concern for the country and in support of the authorities. He warned of a dangerous security phase approaching Lebanon, citing the damage caused by tunnels and military infrastructure to surrounding homes, villages, and towns, and the potential risks posed by hidden military complexes.
He praised a group in Nabatiyeh for appealing to the State to assert its authority and prevent an armed presence, stating that this demand is shared by all Lebanese. Gemayel urged the government to take preventive measures to prevent further escalation and to implement previously taken decisions, including requiring Hezbollah to hand over its weapons to the State and tasking the army and security agencies with executing the decision immediately.