In the wake of the ongoing developments in Syria, Kataeb MP Salim Sayegh reflected on the shifting political landscape and its implications for Lebanon,  expressing his solidarity with Lebanese prisoners detained in Syrian prisons and revealed ongoing efforts to secure their release.

In an interview on LBCI, Sayegh cited a particular case involving an individual who has been jailed in Syrian prisons for 40 years, saying contacts are ongoing with the International Committee of the Red Cross to facilitate his safe return. The lawmaker called on Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati to take responsibility for repatriating Lebanese citizens from Syrian prisons, regardless of political or diplomatic considerations.

Regarding the fate of Kataeb official Boutros Khawand who was kidnapped by Syrian forces in 1987, Sayegh revealed that indirect contacts with the Syrian opposition had informed him of efforts by the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group to establish committees overseeing prisons in the region, potentially bringing clarity to Khawand's situation.

Commenting on the broader implications of Syria's political collapse, Sayegh declared the fall of the Assad regime to be a significant day of victory for Lebanon.

"When a tyrannical regime falls, it is a victory for freedom," Sayegh said, honoring the memory of Bashir Gemayel, the martyred Lebanese president-elect who was assassinated by an individual affiliated to the Assad-backed Syrian Social Nationalist Party (SSNP).

"Today, Bashir's vision of a free Lebanon triumphs, as does the spirit of every fighter who resisted Syrian occupation," Sayegh stressed, also praising all Lebanese who stood against Syrian forces across the nation.

Sayegh's remarks also touched on the evolving regional dynamics as he underscored the importance of maintaining balanced relations with Syria, predicated on mutual respect and the resolution of key issues, such as border demarcation and the potential exploitation of Lebanon's natural resources, including gas and oil reserves.

"The Lebanese people must also press for the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland," he said, emphasizing the need for cooperation on terms of equality and mutual benefit.

Further reflecting on the regional political shifts, Sayegh pointed to Turkey's rising influence in the region, noting its strategic advantage following the collapse of Assad's regime. He suggested that, moving forward, Syria's future would depend on the interplay of international and regional powers, notably Russia and Turkey. He expressed optimism that Lebanon could achieve a more balanced, stable relationship with Syria under the new conditions, including addressing the role of Hezbollah and the influence of Iran in Lebanon's politics.

Addressing Lebanon's future, Sayegh stressed that the fall of the Syrian regime marks the end of Syria's control over Lebanese political affairs. He rejected the idea of continuing the "old alliances" with Syria, specifically those involving Hezbollah, as they are no longer relevant.

The lawmaker challenged PM Mikati's recent comments about national dialogue on Hezbollah's arms, asserting that the Lebanese army should be the sole authority in determining Lebanon’s defense policy, and not foreign or sectarian militias. He called for a re-examination of Lebanon's political dynamics and urged for a political course that prioritizes the country's sovereignty and adherence to constitutional principles.

On the question of Syria’s future, Sayegh expressed hope for a democratic transition and a reassertion of Syrian sovereignty by its people. He suggested that Syrian refugees should return to their homeland, but under conditions that ensure their dignity and security.

"We need to push for the implementation of international human rights standards and support Syria in its reconstruction," he said.