Kataeb’s Head of Public Policy and Legislation Lara Saade said that the Kataeb Party welcomes any initiative aimed at electing a president, emphasizing that such initiatives must be accompanied by certain guarantees. 

"The goal of the consultations is to reach a consensus on a presidential candidate. Therefore, a guarantee from Hezbollah is needed to discuss a consensus candidate rather than one who represents its group. The second guarantee required is to hold an open session with successive rounds until a president is ultimately elected," Saade said in an interview with LBCI.

"This situaton cannot persist. Tensions are increasing due to the Syrian displacement crisis. Lebanon will soon be placed on the grey list. Therefore, we see the importance of the efforts, whether from Qatar, the Quintet Committee, or the French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian, who are all striving to achieve presidential elections as soon as possible. There are also new initiatives, both local and international, reflecting concern for Lebanon's future," she added.

Regarding Bkerke document, Saade said, "The presidential elections are within the framework of the Bkerke document, and through Hezbollah's use of its weapons, it imposes constant obstruction. Therefore, the two issues are connected."

"The parties meeting in Bkerke need to present their comments. Once Patriarch Al-Rahi's concerns are addressed, Bkerke will continue to engage with the parties to incorporate these comments and finalize the document," she noted.

She affirmed that Hezbollah cannot continue with the same approach towards the Lebanese.

"The issue of arms must be put on the table after the war ends. Either Hezbollah accepts equality with other Lebanese and integrates into the state legitimately, or we cannot continue in the same way, as we are witnessing destruction and casualties in the south every day," Saade explained.

Saade asserted that there are two ways to confront the situation: either by launching a comprehensive war or by exerting political pressure.

"We are working to unify the opposition and create a front that includes key figures to confront Hezbollah and achieve results through politics," she stated.

"We have established the foundations, principles, and goals, and we are negotiating to reach a comprehensive agreement. Although events have delayed the process, weekly meetings are being held," she said.

Regarding Syrian displacement crisis, Saade observed that "the displacement crisis is worsening amid additional economic problems and a significant burden on infrastructure and the economy. We see how crime rates and tensions are increasing, as well as the demographic imbalance in the Lebanese fabric and the emigration of Lebanese citizens. Therefore, we are sounding the alarm to reduce the number of displaced people; we cannot wait for regional solutions."

She pointed out that the UNHCR is obliged to provide data under a memorandum of understanding signed with General Security.

"We demand the implementation of the memorandum. On the other hand, General Security has data on the entry and exit of Syrians and can thus deport those without residence permits, those who entered illegally, or those convicted of crimes," she added.

Saade argued that Hezbollah, through its cooperation with the Syrian regime, is causing the displacement crisis.

"If Lebanese authorities fulfill their role in enforcing labor laws, they can regulate the competition in the labor market, ensuring that the influx of Syrians through illegal crossings no longer benefits them," she stressed.

She emphasized that Hezbollah is the primary issue in the displacement crisis, as it, along with the Syrian regime, exploits the situation to coerce the world and hold both the Syrian and Lebanese people hostage in an attempt to restore Bashar al-Assad's legitimacy and force countries to fund Syria's reconstruction.

Saade criticized Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah's call to open the sea to the displaced, considering it a violation of the Law of the Sea and of the sovereignty of other nations.

She stated, "Instead of opening the sea to the displaced, we should open the land and close the illegal crossings. Al-Assad is obligated to receive his citizens."

Regarding the messages the Kataeb Party will deliver at the Brussels conference, Saade said, "One of the messages we will convey in Brussels is that double standards are unacceptable, and Lebanon should not be treated with a double standard. They cannot advocate for the enforcement of European laws while preventing us from enforcing Lebanese laws."

"We will also tell the Europeans that Syria and Lebanon have changed. Lebanon can no longer bear the pressure of displacement, and Europe cannot maintain its stance as Syria has become a safe country. We will ask for the separation of the return issue from the political solution file," she added.

She outlined three options for the international community regarding the Syrian displacement crisis : "Either resettle the Syrians in Lebanon, which is out of the question as it contradicts the constitution and the demographics do not allow it; resettle them in European countries, which is rejected by the Europeans; or build camps on the border, which is a last resort to alleviate the pressure on Lebanon."

"If this issue remains unresolved, Lebanon is heading towards an explosion, as increasing crimes and tensions between Lebanese and Syrians could lead to violence in Lebanon, which the international community surely does not want. This should motivate the Europeans and the caretaker government to act," Saade indicated.

Regarding the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Saade said, "The assassination of President Raisi revealed the deterioration of Iran's infrastructure and exposed the false image Tehran projected of advanced technology."

She argued that instead of investing its wealth domestically, Iran spends it on militias in the region.

"It is inconceivable that a country claiming to be advanced would have its president's fate unknown for over 12 hours," she noted.

Saade affirmed that the truth would not emerge in Iran due to the regime's opacity and lack of transparency.

"The death of Raisi will not impact Iran's foreign policy, as decisions are made by the Supreme Leader. Therefore, Iran's relationship with Hezbollah has never changed," she emphasized.

On the shooting that targeted the Kataeb headquarters, Saade stated, "This is not the first time the Kataeb has been subjected to such attacks. This incident is linked to the campaigns of treason accusations we face and the filming of the entrance to MP Waddah Sadek's house. She sees these as attempts to silence opposition voices through intimidation."

Saade stressed that history has shown the Kataeb does not fear intimidation or isolation and will continue to defend what it believes in for the benefit of Lebanon and its people.

She noted that investigations are ongoing, and authorities have collected video footage from around the Kataeb headquarters and are tracking the car involved in the shooting.

She reiterated that Kataeb Leader MP Samy Gemayel is taking precautions after receiving threats, and "we see these attacks as part of a broader context."

Regarding the International Criminal Court's decisions against Israel and Hamas, Saade highlighted that the court targets individuals, not states, aiming to reduce civilian casualties by holding those responsible accountable.

Saade clarified that these courts focus on the crime rather than the perpetrator.

"While the court lacks an enforcement mechanism, it relies on states that are signatories to the Rome Statute, which are usually cooperative. Even if a state like Israel or the US is not a member, this does not mean it cannot be pursued," she explained.

Regarding the war in southern Lebanon, Saade criticized Hezbollah for bringing significant destruction to Lebanon without benefiting Gaza, and for tying Lebanon's fate to Gaza's.

"We fear that negotiations through Hezbollah might ensure Israel's security and protect settlers in northern Israel in exchange for turning Hezbollah's arsenal inward," she concluded.