Swearing-in ceremony on Sunday was held for the new Kataeb party members in the diaspora including Canada and Latin American countries via Zoom.

"I am glad to first greet the Kataeb Secretary General Serge Dagher, the Head of the Expatriate Council Walid Fares, the Head of the Crowd Department Farid Basila, and all the Heads of Departments and comrades," said Samir Mefleh, the coordinator of the Kataeb Party in Canada.

He also congratulated the new comrades, assuring them, "you have made a wise decision to join the Kataeb party since it is the only party that ensures Lebanon's survival and rise from its ordeal."

“This signifies nothing but that the Kataeb still represents people’s pulse and the rising generations’ aspirations. Congratulations to each and everyone who chose to join the deep-rooted party that has sacrificed for Lebanon,” Mefleh added wishing all the best for the chiefs and hoping for successive elections contributing to the rise of Lebanon.

“Long live the Kataeb party, Long live Lebanon,” he concluded.

In his turn, the Head of the Expatriate Council, Walid Fares, congratulated the new affiliate members asserting that it was not easy for a more than 80-year-old party to still attract new members.

He reiterated that the Kataeb party was the only party that honors old members and has applications for affiliation.

“This is something we do not see in other parties in the world.”

Kataeb Secretary General Serge Dagher said in his speech: "It is touching! In light of the situation that the country is going through, and after we have become disillusioned by some politicians, and while a large number of citizens are eager to leave Lebanon, it is touching to see people in the diaspora still associating with the Kataeb party.”

“This is a vote of confidence in the party and Lebanon, as well as a declaration of love for our motherland,” he added.

"You are welcome to the Kataeb party," said Dagher. "We are proud of what you are doing."

“You are unquestionably making a proper decision because the Kataeb party was historically instrumental in founding Lebanon. We do not promise that you will always be in the largest party, but we do promise that you will be in the most honorable one since that is the only party you will never feel ashamed of joining,” he continued addressing the new members.

“Depending on public opinion and how effectively we can persuade them, we may expand or contract. Nevertheless, everyone commends us for our efforts. Regardless of whether they are supporters or not, people appreciate us because they are aware of how honest we are at all stages," Dagher responded to those wondering about the Kataeb’s power.

"The Kataeb party offers nothing in exchange for anything. It has given martyrs on the altar of the motherland and made sacrifices,” he reaffirmed. 

“We don't seek posts, presidencies, or ministries."

He added that the presidential elections were just around the corner and the Kataeb rejected to think that the incoming president should make a performance to please the Dahieh audience.

Dagher stated that if Hezbollah could bring in a president like Michel Aoun to keep its hand on Lebanon, it would not fall short.

"The Kataeb party plays a pivotal role in uniting the opposition and preventing Hezbollah's presidential candidate from taking office," he highlighted.

"Despite the fact that we are unable to bring a president who fully embodies our goals, we can unquestionably bring a president who does not represent Hezbollah and whose primary responsibility is to lift Lebanon out of its current situation."

Dagher then made the point that, unlike in the past, they could no longer place blame for immigration on specific individuals due to the state of the economy, the availability of energy, banks, and political unpredictability.

"We want people to return after the return of electricity, the economy, and sovereignty, and this is what the Kataeb party is working for day and night," he continued.

As the anniversary of the martyred president Bachir Gemayel and his comrades' murder draws near, Dagher stated: "On September 14, 2022, the Kataeb party holds a sizable celebration in Achrafieh's Sassin Square to remember Bachir and his allies. With his symbolism, Bachir will be remembered. This step is brought about to preserve our history, historical constants, and our personalities, on top of which is Bachir".

He pointed out that his party’s general conference was approaching, recalling that the Kataeb party was the only party that had internal elections for new leaders.

“At the so-called conference internal and political reports are presented, and the party cadre is elected as well as the political bureau members, and the head of the party and deputies thereof,” he explained.

Dagher made the argument that those who wanted to establish democracy at the national level must do so internally first.

"We have three main upcoming events, namely: the anniversary of Bachir’s martyrdom, the presidential entitlement that should lift us from our current situation, and the party's congress next February,” he stated calling on expatriates to keep up with these entitlements.

“You have the responsibility of explaining the Kataeb's mission as well as its history to the younger generation,” he continued.

“After the calamity of August 4, 2020, we resigned from the former Prime Minister Tammam Salam's government and the Parliament. We have also halted taxes and opposed landfills,” he noted.

“Every voter in the Kataeb party understands what they will receive since we are a well-experienced party,” Dagher concluded.