Kataeb Calls for a 'Major Operation' to Close The Eastern Border, Protect It

The Kataeb Party called on Monday for the implementation of a "major operation" to close the border between Lebanon and Syria after the violent clashes between Hizbullah and al-Nusra Front.

It also called for the "cessation of the parallel issues that make the presidential election a marginal issue."

The Kataeb stated after its political bureau meeting: “The path of events indicates unexpected risks, the expansion of bombardment and confrontation on the eastern mountain range with Syria might be one of its facets, and this would put the entire country in danger.”

Clashes took place on Sunday between gunmen from al-Nusra Front, which came from Assal al-Ward in Syria to the outskirts of Hamme and Brital, and Hizbullah fighters.

The party called for "national support around the army and to immunize it with national unity.”

It also called for "the implementation of a major operation to close the border and protect it. The government should make the necessary contacts with international authorities to resort to U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 and the involvement of the international peacekeeping force in the process of controlling the Lebanese border.”

Al-Kataeb said: "The interest of all is to stop everything that offends the Constitution, the National Pact and the national partnership, and to elect a president without further marginalization of the first institution."

Addressing the case of the kidnapped soldiers, the party rejected "resorting to anything that might disrupt public life in the country in this stage where Lebanon is suffering from security and economic risks."

Z.A.