Lebanon: Disagreement Over 'Resistance' Item In Govt’s Policy Statement

Arab World

January 30th, 10:51am

Beirut - Asharq Al-Awsat

Diab chairs the ministerial committee in charge of drafting the government policy statement (NNA).

The Lebanese ministerial committee in charge of drafting the new government’s policy statement is facing internal disagreements over the item regarding 'resistance'. Well-informed political sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the ministerial committee, which began its work last week, has not yet reached a unified stance over this matter. The relevant clause that was mentioned in the former government of Prime Minister Saad Hariri affirmed “the State’s duty and endeavor to liberate the Shebaa Farms, the Kfar Shuba Hills and the Lebanese part of Al-Ghajar village by various legitimate means.” It also emphasized the “Lebanese people’s right to face the Israeli occupation, respond to its attacks and regain the occupied territories.” “There is a discrepancy over the formulation, and Prime Minister Hassan Diab is trying to converge the views to reach a stance that would be acceptable to all sides,” the sources said. The policy statement is the government’s action plan, based on which Parliament will give it its vote of confidence. In remarks during Wednesday’s parliamentary meeting, Speaker Nabih Berri underlined the importance of “re-considering laws that protect people’s rights and respect the dignity of all.” “After the budget approval, the institutional framework will complete its course through Parliament’s vote of confidence,” Berri added, stressing Parliament’s determination to cooperate with the new government “to ensure proper financial reforms in a way that serves the nation’s best interest.” “The rescue operation is not impossible and is also not very difficult. The government has a big opportunity within 3 to 4 months after gaining confidence, as long as it avoids conflicts and tensions, especially since Lebanon cannot advance through sectarian practice, but rather by preserving institutions,” Berri remarked.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2106791/lebanon-disagreement-over-resistance-item-govt%E2%80%99s-policy-statement