Beirut: The Kataeb’s Political Bureau convened its weekly meeting under the leadership of party head Samy Gemayel to deliberate on Lebanon’s current political and economic landscape. Recent developments, particularly the Syrian displacement crisis and financial reforms, were central to the discussions. Following these deliberations, the Bureau released a statement expressing urgent concerns about Lebanon’s precarious position on the international stage.

According to National News Agency – Lebanon, the Bureau stressed that Lebanon is on the brink of its last chance to secure its future and avoid further regional and international isolation. The presence of non-state armed groups, including Hezbollah and Palestinian factions, is deemed unacceptable and threatens Lebanon’s sovereignty. The Bureau condemned religious authorities’ attacks on the government regarding disarmament and warned against political maneuvers that could incite sectarian conflict. Emphasis was placed on the responsibility of President Joseph Aoun to resolve the disarmament issue swiftly.

The Bureau also praised the Lebanese Army’s efforts in enforcing international resolutions and urged all factions to support this mission to maintain national security. Additionally, the Kataeb Party highlighted the importance of ongoing government reforms, especially in stabilizing the banking sector and eliminating a cash-based economy. The party called for actions to remove Lebanon from the FATF’s grey list, which would help restore confidence in the country’s financial systems.

The ongoing Syrian displacement crisis was another focal point of the meeting. The Kataeb Party reiterated that the conditions in Syria now allow for the safe return of displaced individuals, urging the UNHCR to adapt its policies accordingly. The Bureau called for an end to treating the presence of displaced Syrians in Lebanon as a permanent situation, emphasizing the need for international acknowledgment of changed circumstances in Syria.