Kataeb leader Samy Gemayel on Wednesday called for the halt of the installation works of high-voltage power lines in Mansourieh, demanding the formation of an unbiased committee of specialists from both the Saint Joseph University and the American University of Beirut to assess the health damage of the project.

“I salute those who are standing steadfast in defense of their health and that of their children,” Gemayel said during a meeting held with the residents of Mansourieh and Ain Saade at the Saint Therese Church. “We are not to be thanked for anything because this is a just cause.”

“We have never backed down on this case during the past 10 years; we shall continue to stand by the side of the residents of this area,” he pledged.

Gemayel recalled President Michel Aoun's stance against the project in 2008 when he demanded the government back them to find an alternative solution, saying that what the Kataeb party is calling for today is similar to what all political forces used to say before.

“I think that President Aoun's stance back then was based on studies as well as clear data."

Gemayel assured the residents that no move will be made unless they approve it, suggesting that both USJ and AUB would be asked to form a joint committee of experts who would set out a scientific and objective report on this matter.

“We demand that the installation works be halted until scientific and objective assessment reports are released,” he said.

The Kataeb leader said that what matters in this case is to reach a solution that protects people's health, not one that is based on political considerations.

"What is happening is not to be considered as part of the Kataeb’s battle against the ruling authority," he stressed.

Gemayel revealed that Maronite Patriarch Bechara Al-Rahi had called him to arrange a meeting with Energy Minister Nada Boustani on Thursday in Bkirki.

For his part, the pastor of the Saint Therese Father Dany Afram praised the Kataeb for being the only party that is standing next to the church during hardships, urging all lawmakers to shore up the residents.