The Strong Lebanon bloc held its regular meeting chaired by MP Gibran Bassil, during which it discussed current developments and issued the following statement:
1. In light of the obstruction of justice and the injustices faced by the families of the port explosion victims and the unjustly detained, the bloc decided to take necessary steps to amend the Criminal Procedure Law to stop the ongoing disruption of judicial work. The bloc expressed astonishment at the summons of the Attorney General of Cassation to MP Charbel Maroun, contrary to the constitution which grants MPs immunity to protect their performance in their representative role and their right to express their opinions freely and independently, as stated in Articles 39 and 40, in addition to Article 90 of the internal regulations of the Parliament. The bloc considered the prosecution of a Deputy for expressing a position a form of intimidation and an attempt to subdue MPs and prevent them from voicing their opinions. The bloc reminded those concerned that they did not blink an eye or fulfill their judicial duties when the president faced multiple assaults, despite being a symbol of the nation, which the law prohibits from being attacked or insulted. It was decided to hold a press conference tomorrow to clarify their position on such a precedent.
2. The bloc considered the approval of the budget, despite its shortcomings, a constitutional act and one of the most important duties of the Parliament, as it is necessary for achieving financial order and for a partial improvement in the conditions of public sector employees and securing revenues for the state through customs dollars and other means. This is an implementation of one of the necessary steps needed in the context of required financial recovery. The duality and populism exercised by some regarding this issue are nothing but a continuation of the obstructionist approach to any achievable matters for improving conditions.
3. The bloc reiterates its insistence on completing constitutional obligations, beginning with the formation of a government according to the constitution that assumes the responsibilities required of it in this difficult period and electing a president who possesses the necessary representative qualities and support, in accordance with constitutional provisions and national principles.
The bloc believes that the visit by a delegation of its MPs to Dar Al-Fatwa and their meeting with the Grand Mufti of the Republic, Sheikh Abdul Latif Deryan, comes in the context of unifying efforts and mobilizing support for national solidarity in order to complete the required obligations. The bloc decided to keep its meetings and communications open in an effort to determine the necessary position for the Thursday session called by the Speaker of the Parliament to elect a president.
