The Central News Agency reported that MPs Walid Baari, Mohammad Suleiman, Ahmad al-Khair, Abdul Aziz al-Samad, Saji Atyeh, Ahmad Rostom, and former MP Hadi Habesh held a meeting during which they launched the "National Moderation Bloc" and appointed Habesh to the position of Secretary.
The attendees issued a statement read by MP al-Khair, outlining the work program of the bloc and emphasizing the following points:
1. Commitment to building a state of sovereignty, law, and institutions that is reconciled with its Arab environment and harmonious with the international community, while remaining neutral in regional conflicts, highlighting the rejection of resettlement considering that the Palestinian issue and the rights of its people are non-negotiable.
2. The primary priority for the members of the bloc is to enhance the living conditions of Lebanese citizens, particularly the marginalized northern citizens who have been deprived of the state's embrace and have been fed slogans and promises for decades, and to work towards completing central public projects in the north, infrastructure, healthcare support, and food security for the citizens of the region.
3. Protecting depositors' rights and working to secure protection for small deposits first, as well as finding an acceptable solution for large deposits to restore trust in the banking sector, pushing for an agreement with the International Monetary Fund and the adoption of necessary reforms as a prerequisite for resolving the financial and economic crisis.
4. Advocating for the extraction of oil from Lebanese waters, distancing the country from petty arguments that jeopardize Lebanon's destiny and its people's wealth with external influences and regional coordinates.
5. Working towards the adoption of a defense strategy that protects Lebanon from Israeli ambitions and safeguards its oil and borders from the enemy, by restricting the use of arms to the Lebanese state, which monopolizes legalized violence and holds the decision of war and peace. Respecting international legitimacy decisions, especially through the implementation of Resolution 1701 and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Shebaa Farms, Kfarshouba hills, the outskirts of Hasbaya, and the Lebanese part of the village of Ghajar.
6. Addressing the Syrian displacement crisis and ensuring the safe return of Syrian refugees to their homeland.
7. Strengthening the Lebanese army and strategically arming it to ensure its capability to protect Lebanon, as well as supporting internal security forces to ensure their vigilance in safeguarding citizens' security and maintaining the unity and strength of the security apparatuses, including their training and protection amid the difficult economic conditions the country is experiencing.
8. Confronting the void in state institutions by insisting on holding presidential elections on time and forming a government as soon as possible, in respect of constitutional norms and in order to protect state institutions from collapse.
9. Affirming that Lebanon is a final homeland for all its sons, with an Arab identity and affiliation based on this foundation.
