Kataeb MP Salim Sayegh has expressed cautious optimism over the government's draft ministerial statement, calling for more clarity and action on key issues such as deposit recovery and the restoration of the State's sovereignty over its entire territory.

In an interview on LBCI, Sayegh emphasized that, while the ministerial statement was generally acceptable and had a clear tone, it failed to provide specifics on critical matters.

“The statement is acceptable overall, with a good tone and clarity, but it did not address issues with the importance they deserve. It didn’t go into the necessary details or specify the mechanisms for achieving results on key issues such as recovering deposits or restoring the State's sovereignty over its territory,” Sayegh stated.

He pointed out that while the government reaffirmed Lebanon's commitment to international resolutions, including those related to the implementation of UN Resolution 1701, which pertains to the cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel, it lacked concrete plans for practical implementation.

Sayegh also welcomed the government's stance on Lebanon's neutrality in regional conflicts, noting that this principle had been a cornerstone of Lebanese foreign policy since the era of President Fouad Chehab.

"Since President Fouad Chehab’s term, ministerial statements have spoken of non-alignment, and the National Pact philosophy is one of neutrality. Today, Lebanon is at least, in terms of language, regaining this term, which we hope will be translated into action," he said.

However, the lawmaker stressed that Lebanon’s position on Israeli aggression remains firm, despite calls for neutrality in broader regional conflicts.

"Lebanon’s position is clear when it comes to Israeli aggression. The statement unequivocally described it as an act of aggression against Lebanon," Sayegh stressed.

The government’s statement also touched on Lebanon’s inherent right to defend itself, a point that Sayegh hailed as vital.

"The statement also affirmed the Lebanese State's right to self-defense, a natural right that is not defined by charters or constitutions but comes with the birth of nations," he said. "At the same time, the statement provides a framework for exercising this right through the Lebanese army and security forces."

Sayegh emphasized the importance of adhering to international law, particularly the United Nations Charter.

"The natural right to self-defense, according to Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, is affirmed in two parts: the first asserts the absolute right to self-defense, and the second links it to Security Council intervention to restore international peace and security," he explained. "This is particularly relevant in Lebanon, where Resolution 1701, as a Security Council intervention, relates to the exercise of this right."

Sayegh reiterated that the responsibility for defending Lebanon’s sovereignty lies with the Lebanese State, not with a single party or group.

"It is the State's responsibility to defend its land, not a party or group," he stated firmly. "The spirit of resistance is alive among the Lebanese people, and Lebanon is a nation of freedom and dignity. However, suicide is not the solution to asserting rights. There are smarter ways to address these issues."

He further stressed the need for strategic diplomatic efforts to address Israel's continued presence in southern Lebanon.

"It is time to mobilize our friendships and resources to push for Israel’s withdrawal from the south," Sayegh said. "The Lebanese army must enter all the villages from which Israel has withdrawn, except for the five points, alongside international pressure for full withdrawal."

Sayegh also called for a shift in Lebanon’s approach to international diplomacy, urging the Lebanese government to actively engage with the international community to ensure Lebanon’s sovereignty is preserved.

"The Lebanese army should play its role, and we need a unified diplomatic approach. Israel's policy will undermine Lebanon’s stability and fragment the country, and no one will emerge victorious," he said.

Sayegh also emphasized the importance of stopping unnecessary grandstanding and focusing on effective solutions.

"Those who tried to replace the state have destroyed the country. Let’s stop the grandstanding and be humble. The Lebanese army should enter all the villages from which the Israelis have withdrawn in parallel with international pressure for complete withdrawal. The quintet committee must resolve this issue, and it is necessary not to revert to the logic that previously prevailed."

In his closing remarks, Sayegh expressed confidence that if Lebanon’s leadership fulfilled its duties, the Lebanese people would stand behind the State.

"We will not accept going backwards," Sayegh affirmed. "If the presidential term, which we have full confidence in, fails to do its duty, the majority of the Lebanese will start challenging the concept of partnership, as it is impossible for two opposing logics to coexist: the logic of the State and the logic of lawlessness."