The Lebanon Strong bloc announced its support for Justice Minister Henry Khoury's decision and condemned the Cabinet's refusal to issue the decree appointing French lawyers Emmanuel Daoud and Pascal Boucif to represent the state in the case of Riad Salameh. The bloc, during its regular meeting attended by General Michel Aoun, stated that "those obstructing the appointment of these lawyers are seeking to protect Riad Salameh and themselves from any exposure of their involvement, and to avoid creating a precedent that holds any official accountable for their actions."
It added in a statement: "This issue recalls the battle over forensic auditing, the exclusion of KROLL, and the prevention of the first report from Alvarez & Marsal, which was supposed to be released eight months ago." The bloc confirmed that the recent government breach is "contrary to partnership and the National Pact," and is part of attempts to normalize the presidential void, allowing the state to be managed without the need for a president, which undermines the position and role.
The statement indicated that it has become necessary to consider the available options to pursue and prosecute the caretaker Prime Minister under Article 301 of the Penal Code for committing constitutional crimes. Regarding the issue of Syrian refugees, "Lebanon Strong" reaffirmed its position on the necessity of opening the door for dignified return as a final solution, and committed to following up on the legislative proposals it submitted concerning the refugees, which are currently under examination by the Administration and Justice Committee, holding the government and its head responsible for not implementing the decisions made regarding facilitating their return and preventing the project to keep them in Lebanon.
