The Development and Liberation bloc condemned today, Tuesday, "the attempts by some to turn this constitutional entitlement into a barricade to evoke terms of isolation and betrayal." Following a meeting presided over by the Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri to determine the bloc's stance during the presidential election session tomorrow, as well as to discuss several current issues. MP Ayoub Hamid pointed out that "the bloc warns against the dangers posed by the desperate attempts of some to transform this constitutional, democratic, and parliamentary entitlement into a station for entrenchment behind the abhorrent sectarian and confessional divisions, by reviving terms of isolation for one component or betrayal for another."
He added: "The bloc calls upon all political forces, parliamentary blocs, fellow deputies, and the media to assume national responsibility in addressing this entitlement and other matters." Hamid emphasized that the bloc renews its demand to the caretaker government, as well as the deputies, the necessity of cooperation to enact essential legislation to open financial allocations necessary to secure financial allowances and incentives for public sector employees, military forces, security personnel, retirees, and contractors. "It is unacceptable under any circumstances to turn the livelihood of this segment of Lebanese citizens, who bear the responsibility of maintaining security and the ongoing operation of public administration, into a hostage or victim of political score-settling or to impose pressing realities on this political party or that."
He continued: "The bloc praises the heroic and courageous stance demonstrated by the steadfast residents of the villages of Arqoub and the border villages defending their land and occupied territory in Shebaa Farms and the occupied Kafrshouba hills. In this context, the bloc calls on the international community to assume its responsibilities in curbing the ongoing Israeli aggressiveness, which violates Lebanon's sovereignty and continues to breach the provisions of Resolution 1701."
President Berri also received a delegation from the National Consensus Parliamentary Bloc, which included deputies Faisal Karami, Hassan Mourad, Adnan Traboulsi, Muhammad Yahya, and Taha Naji. After the meeting, MP Hassan Mourad spoke on behalf of the bloc, saying: "As we have requested from President Berri not to cease or tire in calling for dialogue, it is the only means to get out of the tunnel we find ourselves in and the only way to secure a framework for national consensus to pass the presidential entitlement constitutionally and nationally."
He added: "We listened to President Berri regarding the latest developments on the presidential file, especially concerning tomorrow's session, and we felt a strong commitment to the precise national balances that protect the Lebanese formula based on foundations that preserve political and social stability. We also hoped that the results of tomorrow would be in Lebanon's and the Lebanese people's favor; if we cannot elect a president, may this session open a door for inclusive dialogue."
It is noteworthy that the bloc later announced today that it would vote in favor of Minister Sleiman Frangieh in tomorrow's session. President Berri also received the Ambassador of the European Union to Lebanon, Ralph Tarraf, where general conditions and the latest developments were discussed.
