Meeting of the Kataeb political bureau, Dec. 16, 2025. (Photo NNA)
The Kataeb party said Tuesday that relations between Beirut and Damascus, one year after the fall of the Assad regime, must be "clear and based on equality and mutual respect, between two independent states," following the turmoil surrounding negotiations over the fate of Syrian detainees in Lebanon.
In a statement released after the party's weekly meeting, presided over by its leader, MP Samy Gemayel, the Kataeb supported Justice Minister Adel Nassar (an affiliate) in this matter, affirming that "the minister's position is purely legal, stemming from his strict respect for the limits of his constitutional powers and the independence of the judiciary, the only body authorized to make decisions regarding verdicts or the release of detainees."
Syria wants to accelerate the release of thousands of Syrians from Lebanon's overcrowded prisons, as some have never even been tried. But Lebanon insists on respecting the legal framework set by Minister Nassar: all those accused of "terrorism," rape or attacks against the army will not be transferred to Syria. A stance that raises fears of a diplomatic rift between Lebanon and the new Syria.
"As for the demand to arrest the criminal Habib Chartouni (accused of assassinating former President-elect Bashir Gemayel in 1982 and, according to some, taking refuge in Syria) and to learn the fate of Lebanese who disappeared in Syrian prisons, these are fundamental demands on which the party will not compromise, without this in any way hindering the improvement of relations between the two countries," the statement says.
The Kataeb also condemned "the statements made by Iranian officials about supporting resistance on the front lines." "These statements are a clear and blatant admission of the ongoing attempt to seize control of Lebanon's decisions on war and peace, as well as the use of illegal weapons in proxy conflicts, the cost of which is borne only by the Lebanese people," the text says.
"The only way to protect Lebanon is to limit the possession of weapons to the Lebanese army and legitimate security forces, to maintain the country's neutrality in conflicts, and to fully respect the Constitution, the 1949 armistice agreement (between Lebanon and Israel), the Taif Agreement, and international resolutions," the statement continues.
Iran has recently increased its statements of support for Hezbollah. A few days ago, the Iranian Foreign Ministry described the accusations of interference in Lebanon as "totally misplaced," while declaring that Hezbollah decides its own policies. Lebanese authorities are calling for the disarmament of the Shiite party, which continues to refuse to hand over its arsenal except in South Lebanon.
Israel continues attacks on southern Lebanon, demolishes buildings in Bint Jbeil