Beirut: The Kataeb’s Political Bureau, chaired by party leader Samy Gemayel, held its weekly meeting to review the latest regional and international developments and their repercussions on Lebanon, in addition to addressing domestic financial and reform-related matters. Following the meeting, the party issued a statement emphasizing key issues concerning regional stability and national governance.
According to National News Agency – Lebanon, the Kataeb Party welcomes the ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel, urging both sides to fully implement it. The party views this truce as a potential gateway toward a comprehensive resolution to regional conflicts, advocating for the dismantling of all Iranian-backed armed groups. The Political Bureau stresses the importance of transitioning to an era of peace, stability, and prosperity after enduring prolonged conflicts.
The Kataeb Party condemns Iran’s recent attack on Qatar, highlighting Qatar’s role as a mediator in regional conflicts and its significant contributions to reconstruction efforts in Lebanon. The party also expresses concern over public statements by Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem, viewing them as contradicting Lebanon’s official stance. The party calls on the Lebanese state to assert its authority and confront attempts to undermine its power or suggest independent decision-making.
The Political Bureau underscores the urgency of restricting arms to Lebanon’s legitimate armed forces, asserting that this is essential for the Lebanese state to enforce sovereign policies in foreign affairs and national security. The party renews its call for Lebanon to adopt a policy of positive neutrality in regional affairs, urging the government to take legal and diplomatic steps to formalize this stance in national policy.
Domestically, the Political Bureau reiterates its demand for swift and simultaneous implementation of long-overdue reforms across all sectors. It emphasizes the need for financial audits of public administrations and a thorough assessment of staffing levels within state institutions, aiming for a reform-oriented state budget.
On regional security, the Kataeb Party strongly condemns the terrorist attack on worshippers at the Saint Elias Church in Damascus. The party sees this as a test for the new Syrian leadership to demonstrate its credibility and ability to protect all Syrians. It calls on Syrian authorities to hold perpetrators accountable and impose severe penalties on those inciting violence.