Kataeb Urges Broad Turnout on September 14 to Honor Bachir Gemayel’s Legacy

The Kataeb’s Political Bureau convened its weekly meeting under the chairmanship of party chief Samy Gemayel. After discussing the latest political and security developments, the bureau issued the following statement:

1. On the anniversary of President Bachir Gemayel’s assassination, the Kataeb Party calls on supporters and comrades to take part in the commemoration ceremony on September 14. The occasion is aimed at reaffirming unwavering commitment to Gemayel’s national path and vision of a strong, sovereign Lebanon with an independent decision-making authority, as well as renewing the pledge to continue the struggle for a free and independent State.

2. The Kataeb Party praises the recent Cabinet decision to complete the process  of placing all weapons under State control and to take concrete steps to extend State authority across all Lebanese territory, thereby reinforcing the legitimacy of official institutions.

The party warns against any attempts to misinterpret the timeline agreed upon in the August 5 Cabinet session or to distort it in ways that could obstruct the Lebanese Army’s operational plan.

The Political Bureau reiterates its call for Hezbollah to acknowledge the seriousness of the moment, and to admit that weapons outside State authority cannot be integrated into official institutions. Bringing these arms under the Army’s control provides protection for all Lebanese citizens, across all sects.

The party also urges the United States and the international community to pressure Israel to withdraw from occupied positions and halt repeated violations of Lebanese sovereignty, in line with international resolutions.

3. The Kataeb Party warns against attempts to delay or undermine upcoming parliamentary elections, particularly by imposing restrictions on the voting rights of expatriates. The party reiterates that elections must be held as scheduled and refuses to accept any pretexts that could obstruct their execution given their importance as a democratic right that cannot be compromised.

4. In light of recent threats against journalist Walid Abboud and MTV station, the Political Bureau condemns recurring militia-style actions aimed at intimidating journalists and silencing free voices and independent media outlets supporting state-building and the restoration of Lebanon’s sovereign decision-making.

The party calls on security and judicial authorities to act swiftly to identify those responsible and the entities behind them, emphasizing the need to protect Lebanon’s media sector and preserve its vital role during this pivotal stage Lebanon is witnessing.