Latest news with #FreePatrioticMovement
Tayyar.org
2 days ago
- Politics
- Tayyar.org
Bassil: Hezbollah's Weapons Must Be Handed to the State, and the Government Is Failing on Refugees and Reforms
The President of the Free Patriotic Movement, MP Gebran Bassil, stressed that 'Hezbollah's weapons can no longer serve as a deterrent to Israel after recent developments, as the circumstances have fundamentally changed.' He affirmed that the defense of Lebanon must be the exclusive responsibility of the state and that Lebanon must establish a legitimate means of defending itself. 'A serious process of handing over the weapons has yet to begin,' he said. Bassil acknowledged the ongoing Israeli occupation and attempts to resettle Palestinians, stating: 'We cannot simply submit to Israel. The weapons must come at a price and their handover must be based on mutual understanding.' He emphasized that these weapons belong to Lebanon and the Lebanese state, and insisted that dialogue must not be used as a stalling tactic. 'No Lebanese has claimed victory over Hezbollah to ridicule it, but Hezbollah must recognize the need to place its military power under the custody of the state. We say this with goodwill and concern.' He added: 'We must honor the martyrs who sacrificed their lives to liberate Lebanon from Israeli occupation. The resistance weapon fulfilled its duty, but missiles alone can no longer confront the age of artificial intelligence.' In an interview on the LBC program 'Jadal' with journalist Mario Abboud, Bassil described recent events in Nabatieh as an 'insult' reminiscent of Israeli violations. He pointed out that while Iran lost its nuclear program but preserved its regime, Israel, on the other hand, lost its prestige. 'The biggest winner in the region is the United States,' he said. 'What has become clear is that without American support, Israel cannot protect itself.' Bassil reiterated: 'Weapons should not be tied to political privileges. Hezbollah itself has not said otherwise. Lebanon cannot function without any of its components, including the Shiites—just as it cannot without any other sect.' ⸻ On Government Performance, Reforms, and Displacement Regarding the current Lebanese government, Bassil remarked that he sees no meaningful difference between it and a caretaker government, except for some appointments. He criticized the newly proposed judicial independence law, saying it is worse than previous drafts, and lamented the lack of seriousness in addressing key national files. 'Where is the financial and economic reform plan? Where is the depositors' money?' he asked, noting that 'the government only responded to one of ten questions we submitted.' He questioned the fate of the forensic audit and laws concerning subsidy fund audits: 'What has the government done with the Alvarez plan which was accomplished by the government of Hassan Diab in a short time? What message is it sending to depositors?' Bassil criticized what he called a double standard in appointments: 'Those who fought quotas violated that very logic. Security appointments remain governed by sectarian balance—nothing is passed without the Shiite duo's approval.' He noted that two Christian officers in the Internal Security Forces Command Council were dismissed, while the Shiite officer was retained: 'And yet they tell us there is no quota?' On Syrian displacement, Bassil accused the government of ignoring Syria's changing reality: 'The regime has changed, the war has ended, and sanctions have been eased—yet the government clings to outdated narratives.' He condemned the shift from voluntary to 'sustainable' return, explaining that the plan allows those who return to Syria to come back to Lebanon if they feel unsafe. 'The UNHCR wants to organize 'exploration trips' for Syrians at a cost of $200 million. This is complicity. Why are there still two million Syrians in Lebanon?' he asked. The current plan, he explained, allows only 24% to return under certain conditions, while 76% remain unaddressed. 'This is an abandonment of our identity. The displacement file is the most dangerous issue Lebanon faces today. What are we afraid of—the Trump administration that opposes illegal immigration?' He concluded: 'I accuse the government of appeasing the international community in this file. What is the foreign minister doing? Where are those who claim to oppose Syrian displacement?' ⸻ On the Damascus Church Bombing Commenting on the bombing of St. Elias Church in Damascus, Bassil said it represents an attack on Syria's diversity and freedom of belief. 'The Syrian government is responsible for preventing such crimes. This isn't just about a bombing—these are systematic violations of human dignity and Christian presence in Syria.' He added: 'I do not understand the logic behind international policy in the region, but Christians continue to pay the price. It is unacceptable for Lebanon to live next to factions like Daesh and feel secure. What we want is a humane and open Islam like that of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, Prince Tamim, the Emir of Bahrain, the Emir of Kuwait, and the Sultan of Oman.' He stressed that the Syrian regime is caught between external expectations and internal ideological commitments: 'This dual pressure is what fuels the current crisis.' ⸻ On Peace and Regional Stability Regarding peace between Syria and Israel, Bassil said: 'Lebanon is awaiting a just and comprehensive peace—we cannot remain outside such a framework.' He emphasized: 'We don't want Israeli arrogance or fragmentation among Arab states. Ahmad al-Sharaa was chosen to lead Syria because of his willingness to pursue peace.' Asked about Syria joining the Abraham Accords, he responded: 'Syria must align with Saudi Arabia's position. Lebanon seeks an end to aggression—not resettlement. We must stand in solidarity with the broader Arab consensus.' He emphasized that the Saudi-proposed two-state solution is now a binding Arab position: 'No Arab state can ignore it, and no one should tolerate what's happening to the Palestinians.' ⸻ On Municipal Elections Bassil said the FPM approached the municipal elections from a community-service angle, while the Lebanese Forces treated it as a political contest. 'Our results in this round are better than in 2016,' he said. He noted that out of Lebanon's 30 municipal unions, the FPM was involved in 20 and supported 15. 'The Lebanese Forces only won the Bsharre union outright. Their so-called 'Christian tsunami' turned out to be a mere breeze.' He added that the Forces did not win any unions in Chouf, Aley, Akkar, or the Bekaa. 'They launched a media war of elimination and failed. In Keserwan, five parties won the union, and in Jezzine, the results are under appeal due to the unjust exclusion of a detained deputy mayor of Haidab.' ⸻ On the Casino and Electoral Law Bassil responded to questions about the casino controversy: 'The attacks began when revenues increased. No one is trying to draw us into that.' On the forestry decree, he criticized the geographical imbalance: 'You can't send someone from Nabatieh to Zgharta and call that fair. We're not asking for a 50-50 split, but not 90-10 either.' He reaffirmed the importance of the 2017 electoral law: 'It corrected diaspora representation with six MPs. If Lebanese abroad can vote, why strip them of representation?' He warned: 'They're trying to cancel the six diaspora seats—this would be a major crime against expatriates.' ⸻ On His Political Future Asked about his candidacy in constituencies outside Batroun, Bassil said: 'That's a lie.' Regarding alliances with Hezbollah, he stated: 'We will determine our allies based on national interest and the political landscape. No one imposes anything on us.' He questioned: 'Why is it acceptable for the Lebanese Forces to ally with Hezbollah in the Beirut municipality without criticism?'
Nahar Net
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Nahar Net
FPM calls for 'Lebanon's neutrality' in Israel-Iran conflict
by Naharnet Newsdesk 18 June 2025, 16:30 The Free Patriotic Movement said Wednesday that Lebanon should not take part in the Israeli-Iranian conflict as the arch foes traded fire for the sixth day. "The war in the region is concerning and is threatening peace and stability in the region and in Lebanon," the statement said, describing the Israeli strikes on Iran as an aggression and condemning it. "The FPM is against any aggression on the sovereignty of any county." The statement, despite the condemnation, stressed that Lebanon must stay neutral and should not get involved, in order to preserve national interests and the security of the Lebanese people. "Lebanon's national interests require a full commitment to a policy that keeps Lebanon out of foreign conflicts, fortifies the domestic front, enhances stability, and prevents Lebanon from becoming an arena for regional clashes," the FPM said, as it urged international powers to restart nuclear talks and look for peaceful solutions that "preserve countries' sovereignty and spare people in the region more destruction and divisions."
Tayyar.org
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Tayyar.org
Bassil's Media Office Denies 'Anonymous' Claim: We Have Repeatedly Affirmed Our Support for a Just Peace That Restores Rights and Ends Aggression
The media office of Free Patriotic Movement Chairman, MP Gebran Bassil, issued the following statement: 'An anonymous and suspicious individual made a false statement on MTV, alleging that former Foreign Minister and FPM leader Gebran Bassil once told members of the Lebanese diaspora in Washington: 'Get rid of Hezbollah and we are ready for peace with Israel.' The media office categorically denies this fabricated claim. Minister Bassil has never made such a statement, and he does not know the person in question—nor whether this individual ever participated in diaspora conferences or meetings, or was involved in the schemes that were previously orchestrated against him and that continue today against the diaspora. Regarding the issue of peace with Israel, Minister Bassil has consistently and publicly reiterated his stance: he supports a just peace—one that ends aggression, restores rights, including Lebanon's occupied territories, and firmly rejects the resettlement of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon.'
Tayyar.org
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Tayyar.org
Free Patriotic Movement: We Reject Wars—Lebanon's National Interest Requires Its Neutrality and Non-Involvement in Conflicts
The Free Patriotic Movement issued the following statement: In light of the dangerous military escalation in the region—particularly the Israeli attack on the Islamic Republic of Iran—the Free Patriotic Movement expresses deep concern over the potential repercussions of this confrontation on regional security and global stability, as well as its impact on the overall situation in Lebanon. The Movement, while firmly rejecting all forms of warfare and any violation of national sovereignty, reiterates its commitment to international law and stresses the urgent need to protect innocent civilians and shield them from the devastation of violence and conflict, regardless of its source. The Free Patriotic Movement affirms that Lebanon must not be drawn into this conflict. It calls on all parties to work toward insulating Lebanon from any involvement or interference, in order to safeguard its supreme national interest and ensure the security and well-being of its citizens and institutions. The Movement believes that Lebanon's national interest lies in a steadfast commitment to a policy of neutrality, reinforcing internal unity, and preserving national stability. Lebanon must not be allowed to become a battleground for settling regional disputes. The Movement also calls for intensified international and regional efforts to contain the escalation, to resume nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran, and to pursue peaceful solutions that uphold the sovereignty of nations and protect the people of the region from further destruction and division.
MTV Lebanon
11-06-2025
- Politics
- MTV Lebanon
Bassil, Le Drian discuss regional and local developments
Free Patriotic Movement leader, MP Gebran Bassil, met with French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian, accompanied by French Ambassador Hervé Magro, Romain Calvary, and Marie Favreil. The meeting, also attended by MP Nada Boustani, focused on the latest regional and domestic developments and their implications for Lebanon and the broader region.
