The Kataeb Political Bureau held its weekly meeting under the chairmanship of Party President Samy Gemayel to address the latest political and security developments. After thorough discussions, the following statement was issued:
- As the year comes to a close, Lebanon stands at a critical juncture, offering opportunities that the Lebanese people, both at home and abroad, must seize to rebuild their country and their lives. The goal is to pave the way for a new phase of stability, security, prosperity, and progress.
The political bureau calls on all Lebanese to rally around national principles, emphasizing that the battle for sovereignty and the establishment of a State governed by justice and the rule of law is far from over. It is essential to intensify this battle to restore the dignity of the Lebanese people, who have lost their homes, savings, access to education and healthcare, environmental safety, and food security.
The party highlights the vital role of Lebanon’s security forces, particularly the Lebanese Army, in upholding the ceasefire agreement and fulfill the commitments made by the government. This includes protecting Lebanon’s eastern, northern, and southern borders.
Furthermore, the party stresses the need to maintain internal stability and prevent any attempts to exploit this critical period to foment unrest in order to serve foreign agendas. This is particularly important as the country approaches the holiday season, a time of hope that the Lebanese people desperately need after years of hardship, particularly in the past year.
- The political bureau reviewed reports regarding the infiltration of wanted Syrian figures into Lebanon, particularly in light of statements by the Interior Minister denying any such entry through legal border crossings.
The party underscores that securing illegal border crossings is also the government’s responsibility and calls for stricter surveillance by the relevant security agencies. It also urges tighter monitoring of Rafik Hariri International Airport following reports that Syrian regime officials—subject to Lebanese and international arrest warrants—have used it as a transit point. These reports should be treated as formal notifications to the judiciary and airport security, prompting an immediate investigation to safeguard the reputation of Beirut International Airport.
The Kataeb Party believes that the ongoing political changes in Syria provide an opportunity to reopen investigations into crimes committed against Lebanon and its people. Efforts must be exerted to gather the necessary information through official channels, investigative committees, and representatives to ensure accountability and restore Lebanon’s long-denied rights.
The party also calls for establishing equal and sovereign relations between Lebanon and Syria. This includes dismantling the Lebanese-Syrian Supreme Council, its General Secretariat, and all coordination committees. Diplomatic ties must be conducted exclusively through the two countries’ embassies, in line with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Any parallel channels outside constitutional and diplomatic frameworks must be prohibited. Additionally, the party calls for the annulment of the Treaty of Brotherhood, Cooperation, and Coordination, as well as the Defense and Security Agreement, and the suspension of all agreements, protocols, and programs that were established between the two countries across all sectors over the past decades.
- The political bureau examined reports regarding the start of debris removal and reconstruction in areas damaged by recent Israeli attacks. The party warns against exploiting humanitarian needs as a pretext to bypass public procurement processes and laws, and award contracts without legal, competitive tenders.
The absence of a preliminary cost estimate and a comprehensive assessment of damages, including the extent of destruction and debris, raises concerns about unchecked waste and corruption. This is particularly critical given the lack of clarity on funding sources—whether they are sourced from public finances or grants. The government must provide full transparency on these funds, by clarifying if they are grants or loans, to ensure proper management and prevent misuse.
- With the presidential election session set for January 9, the Kataeb Party emphasizes that any elected president must commit to upholding Lebanon’s obligations to the international community, adhering to signed agreements, and implementing international resolutions.
respect Lebanon’s international commitments, uphold signed agreements, and implement international resolutions. The Constitution must serve as the foundation and overarching framework guiding all future actions.
The party also stresses the importance of a genuine process of truth, accountability and reconciliation, which Lebanon has yet to achieve. After decades of crises and divisions, rebuilding trust among the Lebanese people is essential for moving forward and laying the groundwork for good governance. This process must be coupled with necessary administrative and constitutional reforms to ensure a functioning and effective state.
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