Kataeb Lawmaker Elias Hankach emphasized that the solution to all the country's crises begins with the election of a President of the Republic. 

"We are currently facing a presidential vacuum and a paralysis of political life; therefore, we will not be bogged down by formalities," he noted.

He considered that "any serious step towards the center, as the opposition did by abandoning its candidate Michel Moawad and moving towards another candidate from outside their bloc, is a positive point. Therefore, the other group must show flexibility in dealing with this issue."

"We, as the opposition, must be positive about any proposal that allows us to elect a President of the Republic as soon as possible, provided there are guarantees against losing the quorum in open sessions," Hankach pointed out.

"No initiative will succeed if one side wants to overpower another. We are ready to consider a third option from outside our bloc, provided the candidate has the necessary qualifications, but we certainly will not accept a president from the 'axis of resistance'," he said.

He also asserted that "the constitution stipulates our presence at a session to elect a president, and we emphasize that this is not an appointment session. It is essential to halt the creation of unconstitutional frameworks in all processes."

"Following French Envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian's visit to Lebanon, the 'Quintet Committee' should initiate action within a clear framework that provides reassurance to all parties and includes guarantees for conducting open sessions until a president is elected," Hankach indicated.

The Kataeb Lawmaker noted that "the President of the Republic faces highly significant challenges: addressing the issue of ' illegal weapons' such as those held by Hezbollah and those in Palestinian camps, implementing clear and transparent economic measures between the president and the Lebanese people, and most importantly, re-establishing Lebanon's diplomatic relationships and historical alliances in the region."

He asked, "Is there a genuine will to elect a president, and does Hezbollah want a president?"

He responded, "Hezbollah is comfortable with the current presidential vacuum because it allows it to act as the de facto supreme commander of the armed forces and the primary decision-maker on matters of peace and war, serving as the official representative of the Lebanese people to the international community. This situation does not align with the national interest. Therefore, we seek a president who puts Lebanon's interests first."

Regarding the ongoing war in southern Lebanon, he stated, "Those who dragged us into a war without consulting us should compensate the people of the south, not the state or the citizens who oppose this war."

Hankach pointed out that "there is real pressure to stop the war in the south because it is in US President Joe Biden's interest, forming part of his election campaign. If we do not elect a president now, the presidential elections will inevitably be postponed until after the U.S. presidential elections. Le Drian confirmed this, stating that after July, the international community will be preoccupied with other issues."

He stated, "Lebanese officials must prioritize Lebanon's interests above all else. We are in a war whose decision was unilaterally made by Hezbollah, facing economic collapse, the embezzlement of the Lebanese people's funds, the disintegration of state institutions, and a Syrian refugee crisis that poses a significant threat, alongside a constitutional and legislative vacuum. What are we waiting for to make Lebanon a priority?"

On the shooting that targeted the Kataeb headquarters, Hankach stated, "The fear of a resurgence in assassinations is real, and we are implementing strict security measures, relying on the security agencies assigned to protect us."