Former Economy Minister and Kataeb Political Bureau Member, Professor Alain Hakim, stated that the beatification of Patriarch Estephan Douaihy carries many messages of hope, resistance, and steadfastness in the homeland.

In an interview with Voice of Lebanon, Hakim emphasized the necessity of accountability at legal, judicial, and administrative levels regarding the Beirut blast, pointing out that the opposition prioritizes this issue.

"There is no truth yet, despite the presence of legal frameworks, due to the obstruction imposed by the dark forces, which we know how they handle the file," he said.

"The matter must be followed up as it is important for all Lebanese, the State, and the families. The Kataeb has suffered great losses, notably the loss of its Secretary-General Nizar Najarian," he noted.

Hakim noted that the greatest burden falls on the families of the martyrs and extends to all citizens who bear much, like the residents of southern Lebanon who suffer due to an unwanted war, external interests, and the presence of armed militias.

He stressed that accountability would restore the prestige of the Lebanese State, emphasizing that the opposition is trying through continuous initiatives to restore the State's status and system.

He said, "Today, the risk of disappearance exists, and from this standpoint, the opposition's initiatives aim to restore the State and its sovereignty,"

"We, as the opposition, emphasized to Prime Minister Najib Mikati the necessity for the government to have a unified stance between him and the Foreign Minister. Mikati's approach is clear regarding the implementation of UNSC Resolution 1701, and he promised to reach this issue as soon as possible through a clear, pressing official stance," stressing the need to implement UNSC Resolution 1701 today before tomorrow to avoid further losses.

Hakim affirmed that solutions must be based on the Lebanese army's weapons and the implementation of international resolutions, warning that the current escalation negatively and directly impacts the economic situation, and citizens do not need additional losses.

He pointed out that it was expected for Lebanon to receive between 3 to 4 billion dollars, but the numbers are diminishing, although they still exist.

He noted that the opposition is clear in its position towards restoring the State's sovereignty, saying that it is working on a new initiative based on UNSC Resolution 1701.

Hakim explained that unifying the opposition under one banner is being worked on, but the multiplicity of individuals and visions has not yet allowed for the formation of a solid front. However, the internal efforts of most opposition members lead to internal cohesion, considering that any move will not bear fruit in the presence of the octopus of illegal arms.

He viewed that the international community deals with the status quo because the State is incapacitated and merely a "messenger," and as the opposition, they must continue their duty to show that they represent another opinion and direction, representing legitimacy, the state, and its interests, emphasizing, "We are here."

Hakim pointed out that facing the current situation requires remaining and persevering in the Lebanese way of life, and there must be a sitting at the table to find solutions, but not under the shadow of weapons. The abnormal situation must first be resolved before discussing system development.

He stressed that the primary goal of the opposition is to reject any settlement that does not benefit Lebanon, agree on the supreme national interest, and oppose any settlement that may come at Lebanon's expense.

Hakim confirmed that rebuilding institutions is very important, pointing out that electing a president is a priority.

"We insist on not allowing a president from the other team to be elected, as the settlement then would be at Lebanon's expense," he concluded.