The leader of the "Free Patriotic Movement," MP Gebran Bassil, indicated that he concluded a consultative round yesterday under the title of protecting Lebanon and national unity. This round included the Speakers of Parliament and the Government, political leaders, and essential parliamentary blocs, with the intention to continue discussions with relevant parties, including opposition MPs who were agreed to meet with the movement's designated representatives. Bassil emphasized that this round confirmed that dialogue is the beginning of any solution and is a necessity for continuous communication among Lebanese people.
During a press conference, Bassil stated that he brought forth a set of ideas, not an initiative, which he deemed necessary for national consensus as it helps to face the ongoing large-scale conflict and ensures Lebanon's protection and unity. He noted that he observed a very high level of understanding regarding these ideas and hopes to expand this understanding to include parties he has yet to meet.
Bassil also announced five ideas proposed by the "Free Patriotic Movement" to reach national consensus:
1. Standing by the Palestinian people and their right to a state and resisting the Israeli killing and destruction machine, demanding an international investigation into the events in Gaza, especially holding Israel accountable for war crimes and genocide against unarmed civilians. He also committed to respecting international resolutions and adopting a two-state solution as a peaceful resolution for achieving just and comprehensive peace.
2. Affirming Lebanon’s right to defend itself against any Israeli aggression, emphasizing the necessity of protecting Lebanon and preventing Lebanese territory from being used as a platform for attacks that could drag Lebanon into war and prevent it from slipping into conflict.
3. Accelerating the reconstruction of authority under the title of national consensus through the election of a unifying reformist president by agreement or otherwise in an open session, and naming a Prime Minister with a national unity government that executes the necessary reform programs and protects Lebanon and its national unity.
4. Considering the issue of Syrian displacement as urgent, treating it as a factor that could ignite conflict, especially in the current high-tension phase, and requiring immediate actions from ministries, relevant agencies, and municipalities to rapidly reduce the numbers of Syrian refugees present in Lebanon.
5. Affirming that Lebanon, in facing Israel, is committed to recovering its rights and executing the following principles:
A. Commitment to international resolutions, especially resolution 1701, and the Arab peace initiative.
B. Recovering occupied Lebanese territories.
C. Ensuring the right of return for Palestinian refugees.
D. Protecting all of Lebanon's rights and natural resources, particularly regarding oil, gas, and water.
E. The return of Syrian refugees to their homeland.
Bassil also confirmed the "movement's" readiness to make "any necessary effort to achieve this national consensus, being open to any initiative or productive dialogue that ends the institutional vacuum and restores the state's presence, dignity, and role, providing the conditions for national unity as a fundamental guarantee in facing the events and dangers around us." This means the movement is prepared to break any barriers and engage in any movement, contact, or effort that could unite the Lebanese in facing the war, resulting in concrete outcomes, whether with a unified and specific stance on proposed issues or any unified or specific actions, particularly regarding the presidency and displacement.
Additionally, Bassil pointed out that he sensed recognition from those he consulted regarding the high risks facing Lebanon and a shared concern for the country. He noticed encouragement for the step he took, despite existing differences in approaches and viewpoints on some topics, but agreement is evident on:
First: The right of the Palestinian people and Lebanon’s right to resist occupation and Israeli aggression, along with a commitment to Lebanon's security and stability, rejecting any military actions outside of what the resistance does in self-defense, expressing appreciation for the sacrifices of the resistance and extending condolences to the party and the families of martyrs for the loss of the best youth.
Second: Regarding the issue of Syrian refugees, Bassil stated that he informed the Prime Minister in detail that state and military agencies could take specific measures to limit the inflow of more refugees, regulate the status of those already present, prevent them from violating laws, and penalize those who do. There was also an agreement with the blocs to support municipalities in managing the situation within their areas, saying, "We will seek to undertake joint action for this purpose."
Third: As for the election of a president for the republic, Bassil noted that everyone acknowledges the necessity of completing this requirement. He expressed his willingness to discuss names of inclusive and qualified figures for the position with openness and flexibility, while retaining what he heard from each side. He confirmed that the conditions are ripe for a new presidential approach, stating that it will not be easy for anyone to bear the responsibility for the ongoing presidential vacuum, which has become a direct cause of the state's disintegration.
Regarding the media discussions about a potential vacancy in the military leadership, Bassil stated, "I did not raise this with anyone, but it was brought up by some I met, and I provided my clear answer about the existence of legal solutions." He added, "I will not dwell on the negative comments I have heard but insist on proceeding positively and urge all officials to reflect on what I have proposed, and if not, to advance positive ideas to protect our country, strengthen our national unity, and move away from the mentality of entrenchment and self-isolation. While we reject and condemn the actions of some protesters along the road to Okar, we also reject any reactive racist responses against a people, skin color, race, or culture, as these are not part of our humanitarian values or Christian teachings. Those who engage in such actions do not resemble us. What resembles us is openness, tolerance, acceptance of differences, and our endeavor to live together under the roof of diversity, freedom, respect for specificities, and the preservation of self and national and human dignity."
