The head of the Lebanese Forces Party, Samir Geagea, stated that "the same parties that disrupted the investigations into the Beirut port explosion are hindering the presidential elections." He explained that "these parties do not want a true presidential election, but rather wish to arrange matters in dark rooms to select the president in a token manner." He added, "We are currently experiencing a significant tragedy. The tragedy of the port explosion is substantial, yet we face daily tragedies caused by the same team, which is the resistance team, known for opposing everything except for its own interests."
During a video address at the annual dinner of the Beirut II region of the Lebanese Forces at the Hilton Hotel, Geagea highlighted the "tragedy of the Beirut port explosion that occurred on August 4, 2020," affirming that "this date will not be erased from the memory of the Lebanese until truth is revealed and justice is served." He emphasized that this tragedy continues to cast a shadow over all of Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of over 200 people, thousands injured, and severe damage to tens of thousands of capital residents. He noted that the impact did not stop there; it severely affected the Lebanese economy and directly impacted the collective psyche of the Lebanese people. He mentioned that "even Lebanese living in the mountains felt the effects of this tragedy."
He remarked, "Throughout history, some societies have endured tragedies, and this tragedy could have befallen us. However, what is utterly incomprehensible is that, after four years since this crime and tragedy occurred, no one among us has the slightest idea about the course of the investigations." He condemned the obstruction of the investigations related to the Beirut port explosion, indicating that many political references have intervened and pressured to hinder the issuance of the indictment or the completion of specific judicial and legal procedures. He questioned whether, following such a grand tragedy—calling it merely a crime diminishes its magnitude—someone could legitimately intervene to obstruct the investigative processes. He insisted that "some intervened to prevent the completion of investigations into this crime."
Geagea expressed hope that the investigating judge in this case would issue an indictment despite all the pressures, asserting, "Regardless of how long it takes and how hard they try to obstruct the investigations—if not today, then in a month; if not in a month, then in six months; and if not in six months, then in a year—we will continue to demand and pressure until we know the truth regarding the Beirut port explosion and that justice is served as it should be."
He affirmed the "utmost importance of achieving justice and knowing the truth in the case of the Beirut port explosion," expressing his and his party's personal commitment to continue demanding justice and holding accountable those responsible for this crime, no matter how long it takes or what pressures they face.
Geagea also addressed the current situation in the south, considering it "similar to the situation the country faced after the Beirut port explosion." He clarified that "the government did not make a decision regarding the war ongoing in the south, and there are some parties acting outside legal and legitimate frameworks, independently and without involving other Lebanese in decision-making." He stated, "There are no Lebanese justifications for this war. In this context, no one should venture to compete with others, especially today with this representation from Beirut regarding the Palestinian issue, which is our primary concern."
He said, "The Palestinian issue needs deeper thinking and better approaches, and above all, sincerity towards this cause—not to be exploited for personal agendas far removed from the essence of this issue." He asserted that "the actions of the resistance team obstruct the attainment of justice and place Lebanon in a dangerous position." He mentioned that "some deputies submitted a petition to the Speaker of the House to call for a session to discuss the government regarding what is happening in the south, but indications suggest that their request will be met with rejection," considering that "this rejection is illegal, and the only authority capable of rejecting a parliamentary petition signed by ten deputies for holding a session to discuss the government is the general assembly of the House of Representatives alone."
Geagea began his speech by discussing the importance of the occasion, indicating that "some occasions are significant in quantity while others are important in quality." He elaborated that "the Beirut II dinner holds both quantitative and qualitative significance." He mentioned that "every day, the Lebanese Forces party holds a dinner somewhere, or engages in a social, partisan, or political activity, but this event has its own uniqueness, as Beirut holds a dear place in their hearts."
He added, "Until recently, some were trying to distance us from Beirut II, although to me, there is no first or second Beirut; Beirut is Beirut. Beirut is one regardless of any administrative divisions. Ultimately, administrative divisions remain just that, and we resort to them for administrative reasons, but what matters is the spirit; and in spirit, Beirut remains one regardless of the administrative divisions we resort to for practical reasons alone." He continued, "Beirut is the only capital of Lebanon, the beacon of rights, truth, and justice," emphasizing that "Beirut is one, and all attempts to divide it or divide the Lebanese will yield no results. Beirut will remain a symbol of unity and strength in the face of adversity."
