The Kataeb's Political Bureau held its weekly meeting under the chairmanship of party leader Samy Gemayel. Following discussions on recent developments, it issued the following statement:

1- The Political Bureau expresses its dismay at the position of the Speaker of Parliament in refusing to convene the legislature to amend the electoral law, disregarding the fact that several provisions of the current law are unworkable, as confirmed by the government. The Bureau reiterates its firm commitment to amending the law to allow Lebanese expatriates to vote for all 128 members of parliament from their countries of residence.

The Political Bureau stresses that parliamentary elections will remain incomplete unless expatriates are given a full opportunity to participate and to play a meaningful role in Lebanon’s political life. Likewise, elections cannot be considered fully legitimate if citizens in southern regions under Hezbollah’s control are deprived of the ability to express their free will, free from the pressure of weapons and intimidation.

2- The Political Bureau reaffirms its support for the Lebanese Armed Forces in their mission to place all weapons under the authority of the State, as well as for the Army Command’s efforts to secure the international assistance needed to carry out this mission.

It emphasizes the importance of the upcoming international conference in support of the Lebanese Army, scheduled for August 5, and calls on Lebanon’s friends and partners to contribute actively to meeting the needs of the military so it can fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to it.

The Bureau urges the Council of Ministers to accelerate efforts to confine weapons to the State and to extend state authority north of the Litani River. It also renews its call for the dismantling of Hezbollah’s military and security apparatus throughout Lebanese territory, particularly ahead of the forthcoming parliamentary elections.

The Political Bureau further commends the Prime Minister’s recent visit to southern Lebanon, which was met with strong public enthusiasm and clearly demonstrated the deep commitment of southerners to State sovereignty and to the State’s duty to protect and serve all its citizens.

3- The Political Bureau praises the Prime Minister’s efforts to address the crisis of unsafe buildings in Tripoli.

It notes that the problem of uninhabitable buildings stems from multiple causes, foremost among them years of unregulated construction carried out without proper public safety standards amid a prolonged absence of effective State oversight. This issue is not limited to a single area but represents a broader national crisis that requires a comprehensive and decisive solution, as well as a nationwide approach that strengthens the presence and services of the State across all regions.

The Bureau also calls for a full investigation into this matter in order to determine responsibility and to hold accountable all those who have failed in their duties over the years.

4- The Political Bureau welcomes the draft law submitted by the Minister of Justice to raise the age of criminal responsibility from seven to fourteen years, in line with international standards. This initiative is supported by modern neuroscience, which has shown that children below this age do not yet possess the psychological and cognitive maturity necessary to understand the consequences of their actions or to fully comprehend criminal proceedings brought against them. This reality requires the adoption of a protective and rehabilitative approach rather than a punitive one.