Opposition MPs Advocate Application of UNSC Resolution 1701

Lebanon's Opposition MPs issued the following statement:

For the past four months, Lebanon has suffered significant losses in terms of lives, property, and economic stability as a result of the ongoing war driven by regional resistance agendas. This conflict has recklessly ignored Lebanon's best interests and has disproportionately impacted its citizens, particularly those in the South, who have borne the weight of this war in terms of casualties, devastation, and displacement.

Opposition MPs affirmed their rejection of Hezbollah's continued usurpation of the decision-making process regarding war and peace, the determination of the fate of the Lebanese people, and the control over their security.

They condemned the negotiations conducted on their behalf, which bypass the state and its institutions. This begins with establishing a vacuum in the presidency and extends to subjugating the entire caretaker government to its will, a government that lacks the confidence of the current parliament.

They continued by stating that this government gave away its decisions and sovereignty to Iran, reaching the point of allowing the Foreign Minister of that country to express regional political positions that jeopardize Lebanon.

They emphasized that the Parliament Speaker does not have the constitutional authority to negotiate on behalf of the Lebanese state, as this authority is exclusively reserved for the President. Consequently, restricting the movement of international envoys under one team that controls the state's mechanisms goes against the constitution and democratic principles, forcibly influencing the decisions of the Lebanese people.

Opposition MPs called on the international community to compel Israel to cease its attacks on Lebanon in compliance with UNSC Resolution 1701 and all other international resolutions.

They insisted on the real and effective implementation of UNSC Resolution 1701 in its entirety, including the enforcement of UNSC Resolutions 1559 and 1680, the delineation of the complete land borders south, north, and east, and the strengthening of Lebanse army deployment exclusively in collaboration with UNIFIL.

They stressed that this is the practical approach to protecting Lebanon from the ongoing war tragedies, preventing the use of its territory for military escalation and negotiation at its expense, and building a new and sustainable stability on the borders.

Opposition MPs reaffirmed their commitment to their stance regarding the presidential option of convergence, as well as their support for former minister Jihad Azour.