The head of the Lebanese Forces (LF) Samir Geagea called on Tuesday to "protect" Lebanon and to "continue building a real state at a time when the region is in turmoil." Israeli bombings are daily in Lebanon, but also in Syria against positions of the new government forces. Moreover, they resumed heavily bombing Gaza, after a two-month truce.
"The region is going through a phase of turmoil and events are accelerating, which requires us to work seriously to protect our homeland and strengthen its sovereignty," said Geagea.
However, he welcomed the fact that "Lebanon has entered a new phase with the new presidency and the new government" and that "there is a clear improvement compared to the past," having not "observed any practices of corruption so far, unlike previous governments."
"This is a positive development, but the essential thing is to continue building a real state that holds decision-making power, the monopoly on weapons and imposes its sovereignty over the entire national territory and borders," stated the LF leader.
Regaining control of borders
Geagea urgently requested the Lebanese state to "regain total control of its borders to prevent chaos and protect the country," considering that such action should have already been taken.
"We have all the necessary capabilities to achieve this, whether it is modern technology or international support, but what is lacking is a firm political decision," said Geagea.
After Beirut and Damascus agreed on Monday night to a cease-fire at the border, following the violent clashes on Sunday and Monday, the Syrian Defense Ministry announced on its Telegram account on Tuesday that security forces "continue to comb the border with Lebanon."
Geagea also stated that "thousands of Syrians have recently entered Lebanon via the northern border, which is without any official surveillance." Nearly 13,000 Syrians fled towards northern Lebanon from the massacres targeting the Alawite community in northwestern Syria, which occurred from March 6 to March 11, Lebanese authorities reported on Tuesday.
Finally, the head of the Lebanese Forces also discussed the municipal elections planned for next May, praising the "central role" of local governments.
"I ask you to give paramount importance to municipal elections and not to let traditional criteria such as tribal or family affiliation determine the choice of the president of the municipal council. Choose a person capable of effectively fulfilling their mission, regardless of their social or economic background," he said, also criticizing corruption in municipal councils.