Deputy Head of Kataeb Party Georges Jreij considered that the Taif Agreement era was painful.

“Kataeb Party played a major role in Taif Agreement, especially that President Amine Gemayel had many comments on it in terms of presidential powers,” Jreij said in an interview via Tele Liban.

“Many points stated in Taif Agreement have not been implemented such as administrative decentralization and Senate formation,” he added.

Presidential Elections

Jreij stated that Lebanon had a historic opportunity to restore its Arab and international relations especially with Saudi Arabia, through presidential elections.

“We must return to the institutions and Constitution. We should implement basic constitutional articles, foremost of which is the implementation of decentralization, and the Senate also is linked to the abolition of political sectarianism,” he pointed out.

He also explained that Lebanon was facing a dead end, stressing the need to hold presidential elections.

“We should elect a bold president who has a vision and speaks in the name of Lebanon ,” he emphasized.

He pointed out that the opposition named MP Michel Mouawad for the presidency, since he got the specifications needed.

As for the other party, Jreij said that it did not agree on a name.

“If Hezbollah had the intention to solve the issue, it would have been resolved. Therefore, there is a question mark about its delay, since the same delay brought Aoun to the Presidency in 2016,” he noted.

Kataeb Headquarters Meeting

Regarding the meeting that took place in Kataeb Headquarters which regrouped 27 MPs, Jreij considered that the meeting was a “meeting of transformation” in terms of the opposition’s rapprochement with each other to agree on one common vision for the presidential elections under 3 headlines. 

“The 3 headlines are the following: First, turning the presidential elections into an opportunity in light of Lebanon's deteriorated situation. Second, rejecting the tug-of-war and sectarianism, especially through powers of the government and the presidency. Third, giving priority to elect a new Head of State stipulated by the Constitution,” he said.

“The first to attend this meeting was MP Michel Mouawad. The latter explained his electoral and economic program and clarified his vision that corresponds with us. MP Nadim Gemayel also submitted a proposal law requiring the submission and announcement of nominations for the presidency,” he added.

Aoun’s Last Speech

Regarding Aoun’s last speech, Jreij said: “Can you imagine that the head of an opposition party is attacking the state. Our country is bankrupt, isolated and kidnapped and instead of electing a new Head of State, we are looking forward to form a new government to “fill” the vacuum”

Maritime Border Demarcation

When asked about the maritime border demarcation, the Deputy Head of Kataeb Party asked : “ Why was the study conducted in 2011 not presented for discussion? Why was it not discussed in the Cabinet, given that it notes line 29 within the economic limits?”