Phalange Party Says Overlooking Baabda Declaration 'Blow' to Lebanon's Credibility

The Phalange Party warned on Monday that continuing to overlook the Baabda Declaration “undermines Lebanon's credibility” as the accord was supported by the Arab League and the United Nations, and was adopted as a basis for Lebanon's interaction with the international community.

"We consider that the presidency's statement over the Baabda Declaration is a reminder that we must respect and fully commit to the agreement's articles,” the party said in a released statement after the political bureau's weekly meeting.

Baabda Palace said in a released statement on Thursday that the Declaration did not deal with the resistance's arms but should have paved way for the discussion of the national defense strategy.

In the Baabda Declaration, the rival leaders from the March 8 and March 14 alliances affirmed on June 11, 2012 commitment to the Taef Accord and agreed to keep Lebanon away from the policy of regional and international conflicts to spare it the negative repercussions of the regional crises.

The Phalange's statement elaborated: “We must especially disassociate Lebanon from regional and international conflicts and remove all kinds of links we have with the Syrian crisis to protect the country and its stability.”

The politburo also called for supporting the army and for adopting a “calm” approach in politics and in the media.

The party urged facing the critical situation in the region with “internal consensus.”

"This would be achieved through forming a capable cabinet that would protect Lebanon from the repercussions of the region's developments,” it said.

“We also demand reviving the national dialogue and reaching an atmosphere that is suitable for holding the presidential elections on time. We urge discussing a new electoral law that assures true representation and national partnership, and this would shorten the parliament’s extended mandate.”

The political bureau condemned autonomous security measures adopted by Hizbullah, pointing out to the “obscure climate” that surrounded Lebanon's reputation following these procedures.

"The Phalange Party also strongly rejects Hizbullah's efforts in continuing to build up its military infrastructure and we call on the state's bodies to deal firmly with this trend that could create clashes between the people.”

The statement was pointing out to the latest incident in the Bekaa city of Zahle where armed Hizbullah members deployed on Sunday along the highway extending between the city's industrial zone to the Mar Charbel church in an attempt to expand party's telecommunications network.

Residents of the city protested against its actions and temporarily blocked the road in the area.

The army soon intervened and set up checkpoints in the industrial zone and security forces deployed patrols in the city, which led to Hizbullah's withdrawal from the area.

The conferees remarked: “Procedures of autonomous security and attacks on diplomatic figures signal the absence of the state's authority and have driven some neighboring countries to issue statements regarding their nationals' presence in Lebanon.”

"We are following up with concern on Saudi Arabia's decision to prevent Saudis from traveling to the country.”

Hizbullah had set up checkpoints in and around its stronghold of Dahieh in light of a bombing in the Ruwais area.

Twenty-seven people were killed and 280 wounded in the bombing that took place on August 15.

A number of politicians have since criticized the party for its security measures, but Hizbullah officials have denied that they have adopted autonomous security measures.

In a separate matter, the Phalange Party expressed its concern over the reduction of the amount of food supplies provided to Syrian refugees present in the country, noting that this is an additional burden on Lebanon.

"It comes at a time when medical and educational support must have been increased.”

The statement noted that the party's leader former president Amin Gemayel is in contact with concerned international authorities to “stop the strategic targeting” of the Syrian famed Christian town of Maalula and to assume their responsibilities in this regard.

"We renew our warning over the dangers Christians in the region are subjected to,” it said.