Kataeb Political Bureau Member Alain Hakim uncovered a scandal at the Lebanese University in Fanar, specifically in Pierre Gemayel Campus which was inaugurated by President Amine Gemayel during his tenure in December 1986.

"As part of the reconstruction of the Lebanese University, funded by the Islamic Bank, which supports the Faculty of Public Health, an agreement was reached between a contractor and the Council for Development and Reconstruction for this project. The drilling process took place in Pierre Gemayel Campus, but the work was halted under the pretext of non-payment of dues. A month ago, the caretaker government approved a sum of one million dollars 'to close the pit,' meaning the funds spent on this project were wasted, and no one knows where the initially allocated funds went," he explained.

Hakim words came during an interview with Tele Liban.

He also said that solidarity with Gaza should be approached on a humanitarian level, encompassing all segments of the Palestinian population.

"Solidarity through a general strike and paralysis of public institutions in Lebanon harms both the citizens and the Lebanese economy.  Lebanon is the only country among Arab countries to have decided to strike. Solidarity should be with the Lebanese people and the national economy," Hakim said in an interview with Tele Liban.

He emphasized that Lebanon's priority is its own issues, considering this strike as nothing more than hypocrisy.

Hakim revealed that there are political efforts being made to cease fire in Gaza and exchange prisoners, which are ongoing on the Arab and international levels.

He emphasized that the internal Lebanese political and security instability negatively impacts the Lebanese economy, saying that "this is evident in the decline in the numbers of tourists and expatriates, who fear coming to Lebanon."

He stressed that the solution today lies in serious efforts to prevent the outbreak of war and implement UNSC Resolution 1701 to preserve security, thus allowing economic activity to return to normal.

"Unless there are alternative plans that enable the Lebanese state to confront a war if it erupts. We all must press for the issue of neutrality and steer clear of any military conflict with Israel," Hakim asserted.

"France is pushing to keep Lebanon out of the flames of war and total destruction, but the Iranian reaction on Lebanese soil confirms that there is a message from major powers to impose a settlement of sorts," he went on saying.

Regarding Kataeb Leader Samy Gemayel's visit to Washington, Hakim stated: "This tour was a reaffirmation of our commitment to preventing Lebanon from being dragged into a war. The visit aimed to emphasize that a significant portion of the Lebanese population rejects involving Lebanon in a war with consequences that are unbearable. The United States appreciated the stance of the Kataeb Leader in adhering to neutrality and sovereignty."

He urged all Lebanese to vehemently reject the presence of Lebanese militias, such as Hezbollah, on the southern borders, alongside other militias like Qassam Brigades and Hamas.

He reminded that UNSC Resolutions 1559 and 1680 are the foundational pillars of UNSC Resolution 1701, emphasizing the illegitimacy of militias along the Lebanese borders.

Regarding the extension of the army commander's term and the participation of Kataeb MPs in the legislative session, Hakim stated: "The Kataeb Party was clear in not accepting participation in any legislative session at this time because we affirm that the Parliament is an electoral body amid presidential vacuum. However, we will discuss this matter tomorrow during the Kataeb Political Bureau meeting and coordinate with opposition deputies."

"We cannot manipulate the issue of army leadership and the person of the army commander. The Kataeb Party is the staunchest supporter of the military institution, and our insistence on extending his term is evidence of that," he affirmed.

Responding to a question about the relationship between the Kataeb Party and other parties, Hakim revealed that there is a strong bond between the Kataeb and the Progressive Socialist Party because they both agree on the importance of sovereignty and fear Lebanon being dragged into war.

He also mentioned that what unites the Kataeb with the Lebanese Forces are political principles, although there may be some contradictions on certain political issues.

Hakim emphasized ongoing discussions and engagement at the national level with officials from the Free Patriotic Movement.

In the economic aspect, Hakim addressed the topic of the 2024 budget, stating: "This budget has three gaps, including an increase in tax rates and its dollarization, as well as the introduction of new taxes. Therefore, it is merely a numerical budget without a comprehensive plan and a clear vision."

"There is a vital problem in the real estate and automotive sectors, and the main issue lies in the disruption of institutions responsible for monitoring these sectors. It is imperative to find a quick solution to restore normalcy to practical life," he noted.

Hakim revealed a scandal at the Lebanese University in Fanar, within the complex of the second branches inaugurated by President Amine Gemayel during his tenure in December 1986.

"As part of the reconstruction of the Lebanese University, funded by the Islamic Bank, which supports the Faculty of Public Health, an agreement was reached between a contractor and the Council for Development and Reconstruction for this project. The drilling process took place in Pierre Gemayel University, but the work was halted under the pretext of non-payment of dues. A month ago, the caretaker government approved a sum of one million dollars 'to close the pit,' meaning the funds spent on this project were wasted, and no one knows where the initially allocated funds went," he explained.

"We observe and feel the clear failure of the current government, which is a caretaker government. Therefore, the best solution has become necessary through the implementation of administrative decentralization and operational mechanization on a general level to achieve a state far from bureaucracy," Hakim indicated.

He believed that the existence or non-existence of the proposed budget is not of importance to the Lebanese citizen as he bears its cost before its approval.

He considered that the state contributes to expanding the scope of the informal and non-official economy by imposing new taxes, leading to the disappearance and deterioration of the Lebanese economy.

Hakim revealed that the deposits and embezzled funds have been spent by the Lebanese state.

He reminded that the Kataeb Party demanded, in a meeting with the Association of Banks in Lebanon, to stop financing the state in 2017 and 2018, but unfortunately, this demand was not met.

Hakim concluded by saying: "We cannot describe Lebanon as completely bankrupt, and it is certain that it can rebuild itself through serious will and a different composition that brings together officials who are not immersed in corruption."