The “Strong Lebanon” parliamentary bloc held its regular meeting presided over by MP Gebran Bassil, during which the bloc’s agenda was discussed and the following statement was issued:

1- The bloc discussed the presidential priorities paper issued by the Free Patriotic Movement. MP Hagop Pakradounian, representing the Tashnag party, expressed his belief that the paper constitutes a future vision not only for the presidency, but for the revival of the country and its progression from the state of disintegration and collapse. Pakradounian considered that the paper constitutes an entire roadmap to rebuild the state and seek public order as well as restore Lebanon’s role in the region and the world, on top of it being a prelude for agreement on the person of the President of the Republic.

2- MP Bassil tackled the completion of the demarcation of the maritime borders, considering it a victory for Lebanon and the culmination of a long path, thanks to the continuous effort, steadfast position and diligent work of the Ministry of Energy since 2009, with the Offshore Petroleum resources law and the implementing decrees as well as the appointment of a management body for the Petroleum sector and geophysical surveys of the entire marine waters in two and three dimensions, launching the first licensing cycle in Lebanese marine waters, signing contracts, starting exploratory drilling, promulgating a law to enhance transparency in the petroleum sector and proposing a law for the Lebanese Sovereign Fund.

The head of the bloc considered that what we have reached today could have been achieved since 2013 if obstacles were not placed internally and pressures from abroad were not exercised.

3- The bloc announces its abstention from participating in the parliament session dedicated to electing a president of the republic, due to its appointment on October 13 which constitutes a disregard for the feelings and the historical meaning that bears national symbolism represented in the memory of the martyrdom of the Lebanese army officers and soldiers as well as civilians in a military operation carried out against legitimacy in violation of Lebanon’s freedom, sovereignty and independence, placing it under the tutelage for a period of 15 years.

4- Emphasizing the need to form a government in accordance with the provisions of the constitution, the bloc reiterates the warning against any attempt that some might think of to consider the resigned government capable of assuming the powers of the president of the republic in the event of a vacuum in the presidency, which cannot be accepted, given that any attempt in this direction will generate an uncontrollable constitutional chaos.

5- The bloc denounces the actions of the president of the Supreme Judicial Council Souheil Abboud, in violation of laws and obstructing the course of justice, and demands that he be referred to judicial inspection due to his flagrant violation of legal texts, including Article 1 of the Corruption Law in the Public Sector and Articles 371, 374 and 377 of the Penal Code, which punish the use of influence and abuse of power, with confirmation of the right of the minister of Justice to call on the Supreme Judicial Council to meet under Article 6 of the Judicial Law.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon