Kataeb Urges 'Alternative Plans' in Troops Case, Says Priority is Presidential Vote

The Kataeb Party on Monday called on the government to devise “alternative plans” to address the crisis of the captive troops, stressing that the election of a new president is the top priority amid these circumstances.

In a statement issued after its political bureau's weekly meeting, the party condemned the recent bombing against the army in the Arsal region, which left two troops dead, noting that attacks on the army are aimed at eliminating its “national role in countering terrorism and maintaining stability.”

It said the acts of kidnapping and road blocking, which erupted in the wake of the execution of three captive troops, require all political parties to shoulder their national responsibilities to “face the existential crisis that threatens the country.”

The party called for “giving our military forces full confidence and moral and logistical support in the face of the situation in all its complexity.”

They urged the government to assume its responsibilities towards the kidnapped soldiers, and to develop “alternative plans, both at the domestic level or at the level of the international community.”

“The gravity of the incidents should put political leaders in front of a moment of conscience during the scheduled session to elect a president” on Tuesday, Kataeb said, hoping the meeting “doesn't end up like all the other sessions.”

“This destructive approach cannot continue,” the party emphasized.

It said the priority in parliament’s work during the current presidential vacuum is to “elect a president.”

“The Lebanese constitution is clear: the only necessary legislation allowed is electing a president ... or else we will be paralyzing the Constitution and pushing the country into the unknown,” the party warned.

Z.A.

Y.R.