Day: December 9, 2023

Kataeb Leader Samy Gemayel attended a dinner on Friday held by the American Lebanese Policy Institute (ALPI) during his visit to the United States.

In a speech delivered during the dinner, Gemayel reiterated ‘the necessity of protecting Lebanon from all conflicts in the region and promoting the implementation of international resolutions, particularly Resolution 1701, to prevent the conflict from spreading to Lebanon.’

Gemayel once again denounced ‘the loss of sovereignty due to Hezbollah’s confiscation of decision-making power, the disruption of institutions, and the functioning of democratic life by blocking the presidential elections.’

The dinner was attended by U.S. Congress members Darrell Issa and Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Professor Jihad Azour, Mrs. May Rihani, as well as members of the Kataeb Political Bureau Joelle Bou Abboud and Ibrahim Marji. Also present were Head of Kataeb Foreign Affairs Department Marwan Abdallah, Kataeb Representative in Washington D.C. Zahi Abi Younes as well as President
of the American Lebanese Policy Institute, Paul Hindi along with the administrative committee.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Popular crowds flocked today to the shrine of martyr Kamal Jumblatt in Al-Mukhtara in the Lebanese Shouf region marking the late national leader’s birth anniversary, under the headline: ‘A Salute to Palestine’, as an expression of loyalty to his stances and an emphasis on pursuing his approach.

Leading the crowds, head of the Progressive Socialist Party, MP Taymour Jumblatt desired the day of his late grandfather Kamal Jumblatt to be, as he said, a ‘day of liberties, justice, humanity, peoples’ aspiration for a decent life, truth that never dies, and the day of Palestine.’

In this context, the participating crowds wore the Palestinian ‘keffiyeh’ and set out in a popular march from Al-Mukhtara Palace towards the tomb of Kamal Jumblatt, as MP Taymour Jumblatt marched before them surrounded by his wife, Diana Zeaiter, and their son Fouad, and led by senior Druze sheikhs, clerics and officials.

Several political, social, union and civil figures also participated in the march, in addition to deputies from the
‘Democratic Gathering’ and the PSP leadership, and from the Women’s Union, the Youth Organization and the Progressive Scouts, to a crowd of supporters, partisans and citizens from various Lebanese regions, who joined in a spontaneous manner despite the heavy rainy weather, to commemorate the late national leader and lay floral wreaths on his shrine.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Kataeb Leader Samy Gemayel concluded his visit to the United States with two conferences hosted by the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and the American Task Force for Lebanon.

He highlighted the critical repercussions of the ongoing conflict in the region on Lebanon, which is experiencing a severe loss of state institutions amid comprehensive institutional paralysis and a halt to democratic life.

Upon the invitation of the American Task Force for Lebanon, Gemayel delivered a lecture attended by former U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon David Hale, representatives from Western media, and research centers.

He painted a picture of the situation in Lebanon, explaining the risks it may face after the conclusion of military operations, especially with Hezbollah’s continued grip on the country.

He emphasized the Hezbollah’s control over decisions related to peace and war, hindering the implementation of international resolutions that ensure security, particularly UNSC Resolutions 1559 and 1701, and preventing
the deployment of the army along the entire Lebanese border to maintain security.

The Kataeb Leader denounced Hamas’s calls to form the vanguards of the Al-Aqsa flood from Lebanon and its efforts to recruit youth into this new militia.

He considered this move as the most significant violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty and a blatant challenge to the Lebanese people, evoking memories of the tragedies resulting from “Fatahland” wars, and the subsequent suffering that Lebanese endured at a high cost to stand against these challenges and reclaim their country.

He stressed the necessity of confronting and countering these practices in Lebanon with the assistance of friendly countries.

Gemayel emphasized that the only way for Lebanon to escape the current situation is through a comprehensive reconstitution of authority, the restoration of institutions, and strengthening the military institution to fulfill its role in protecting the Lebanese people.

He also presented the opposition’s efforts to unite and stand ag
ainst the coup that Hezbollah is attempting to execute to keep Lebanon under the influence of its regional sponsor, Iran.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Abdallah Bou Habib, received on Friday the Director-General for Political and Security Affairs at the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Frédéric Mondoloni, and the Director-General for International and Strategic Relations at the French Ministry of the Armed Forces, Alice Rufo.

During the meeting, Bou Habib affirmed Lebanon’s welcoming of the full implementation of UN Resolution #1701, reminding that “the Israeli violations have exceeded 30,000 breaches since 2006,’ and saying: ‘Israeli encroachments on the Lebanese borders must also stop. The land borders must also be revealed and withdrawal must take place from the occupied territories and points, while refraining from using the Lebanese airspace to attack Syria.’

Furthermore, Bou Habib underlined that “supporting the Lebanese army remains essential for implementing Resolution 1701,” calling as well for the support of Lebanese governmental institutions.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

MP Wael Abou Faour considered that what is common in the performance of the political forces in the country is a failure to comprehend the seriousness of the stage and the endured crises.

Speaking in an interview with ‘LBCI’ TV Channel, he explained that what leader Walid Jumblatt and MP Taymour Jumblatt are seeking through their current political movement is to find common spaces to build upon and get out of the prevailing crises, such as the vacant security institution positions, the presidential elections and how to address what is happening in the south and its repercussions.

Asked about the meeting with Hezbollah’s delegation, Abou Faour said: ‘The purpose is to maintain a continuous channel of communication. We agree where we agree and disagree where we disagree, but the main topic is organizing the relationship…’

He added, ‘The incentive behind the meeting with Hezbollah was Jumblatt’s confirmation of his advice, which is to adhere to Resolution 1701, keenness on the security institutions, procee
ding with the extension of General Joseph Aoun’s mandate, appointing a new military council, and avoiding some groups that could be active in the south.’

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon