The "Neutral Lebanon Meeting" announced that it has initiated practical steps to urge relevant parties to move and pressure for the holding of an international conference for Lebanon under the auspices of the United Nations. It considers that this matter will put the Lebanese issue back on the right track in terms of identity and finances, especially as it has become firmly established among all that other proposals have proven ineffective and do not lead to the desired goal.
The National News Agency reported a statement issued by the "Neutral Lebanon Meeting," calling on the United Nations and the Arab League, of which Lebanon is a founding member, to take the initiative to save Lebanon from its captors and to halt the economic collapse. The statement urged all political and religious forces and authorities to raise their voices and demand the convening of an international conference for Lebanon under UN sponsorship, in reference to the requests made by Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi and several active forces, after they have become convinced that there is no remaining solution to the Lebanese crisis except through international assistance that supports the demands of the Lebanese people and local entities in their efforts to save Lebanon before disaster strikes.
The statement highlighted a call to the United Nations and the Arab League, particularly for Lebanon to take initiatives to rescue it from its captors and to halt the economic collapse. It emphasized the need for a financial rescue plan, especially as unemployment among its citizens has reached 45%, while over 52% of Lebanese live below the poverty line. The statement pointed out the inadequacy of the French initiative to create even a small breakthrough in the crisis, evidenced by the absence of any signs of forming a government that can contribute at least minimally to producing a solution. This refers to the unpromising outcome of President Michel Aoun's meeting today with Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri, which indicates the depth and continuation of the crisis.
The statement stressed the impact of regional tug-of-war, which strongly reflects on the internal situation, causing the Lebanese decision to be fragmented between this axis and that. It stated that the continued usage of Lebanon as a bargaining chip by regional actors is a factor of disintegration. The "Neutral Lebanon Meeting" concluded that there is no salvation for Lebanon and its people except through active and positive neutrality from regional conflicts and the destructive political tensions that have left it with no opportunity for salvation through its own capabilities.
