The Kataeb’s political bureau held its weekly meeting under the chairmanship of the Vice President of the Kataeb Party Dr. Bernard Gerbaka. After discussing the latest developments, the following statement was issued:
1- Following the end of the retaliatory exchanges and the clear indication that none of the conflicting parties intend to engage in a full-scale war aimed at annihilation, as suggested by earlier statements, it has become imperative for military operations to cease immediately on both sides of the border.
The ongoing state of war is depleting Lebanon, its economy, and the resilience of its people. It is preventing the residents of the South from returning to their livelihoods and properties, which have been destroyed by shelling and scorched by phosphorus, not to mention the senseless loss of lives.
The Kataeb Political Bureau believes that the only solution lies in prioritizing Lebanon's interests above all else, restoring calm to the border, and working towards a sustainable resolution that will allow Lebanon to regain its statehood and align with international efforts aimed at stabilizing the country and implementing international resolutions, particularly 1559 and 1701.
2- The Kataeb Political Bureau warns against any attempts to shift the conflict internally and to exploit the surplus of power to achieve political gains, as has happened on multiple occasions. This includes transforming external deterrence operations into internal campaigns aimed at suppressing free speech and targeting critics of Hezbollah's actions and Iran's interference in Lebanese affairs.
It asserts that any such attempts will not go unchallenged, affirming that it will stand united with all free Lebanese citizens to resist and will not allow the country to once again fall under any form of domination.
3- The Kataeb Party condemns the ongoing defamation campaigns, both direct and on social media, as well as the verbal and physical assaults on anyone who dares to speak out, accompanied by provocative demonstrations in various areas.
It views these practices, which have accompanied every phase of occupation that Lebanon has experienced, as futile attempts to silence the free voices in the country; a historical constant that will not change.
It also rejects any attempts to restrict press freedom, which is evident in the continuous summoning of journalists before the Cybercrime and Intellectual Property Bureau whenever they attempt to address any issue. It demands adherence to due process and the law in this context.
4- The Beirut Port explosion case has come to the forefront once again, especially following the meeting between His Holiness Pope Francis and a delegation of victims' families. The Pope underscored the necessity of truth and justice, stating that without them, the social contract among the Lebanese cannot persist, attributing the lack of justice to the clash of powers and interests.
In this context, the Kataeb Political Bureau emphasizes that this issue will remain a top priority for the Lebanese, who have lost their loved ones and witnessed the devastation of their capital. They are being denied their right to know the truth and to seek accountability for those responsible for this tragedy.
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