Frem from Baabda: Unifying Weapons Under Army Authority Is Fundamental

The Chairman of Project Watan’s Executive Board, MP Neemat Frem, said after his meeting with the President of the Republic, Joseph Aoun, at Baabda Palace that “the Lebanese people’s best interest lies in unifying all weapons under the command of the Lebanese Army, rebuilding state institutions, and attracting investments to revive Lebanon’s economic and developmental path.”

Frem stated: “I was honored today to visit His Excellency the President at this decisive moment. We stand by him and are proud of his wise and steadfast positions during this delicate phase that Lebanon and the region are going through – positions that are drawing Arab and international support for Lebanon, from brotherly Arab states to the United States and Europe. The stances being taken toward Lebanon today will be the cornerstone upon which we rebuild our country.”

He added: “We are committed to a new Lebanon…a productive, creative Lebanon that reflects the successful Lebanese who have spread worldwide, while also carrying the wisdom of the lessons we have learned.”

The MP continued: “The visit of the American delegation is a milestone in Lebanon’s history, as it confirms that the United States – a global power that plays a pivotal role in the Middle East and in global conflicts – views Lebanon as a sovereign country within its existing borders, a country worthy of life, that must not fragment nor slide into the model of a failed state.”

Frem pointed out that what is required today is to meet the international community halfway. “For this reason, the stances of His Excellency the President and of the Lebanese State as a whole are clear: Lebanon is in the process of rebuilding its state, with the interests of the Lebanese people above all else, overriding any other consideration. These interests lie, first, in unifying all weapons under the command of the Lebanese Army; second, in rebuilding the state and its institutions; and third, in attracting investments to revive Lebanon’s economic and developmental path, given that state institutions are suffering from delays in securing such investments.”

He went on to say: “Every Lebanese, regardless of religion or affiliation, must understand that the demand to hand over weapons to the Lebanese Army is not directed against anyone, but is in the interest of the state and all its citizens. No one is calling for handing over weapons to the enemy, but rather to the Lebanese Army, the sole institution that embraces all Lebanese.”

On another note, Frem explained: “The state cannot function properly with a budget that does not exceed $4.5 billion, when it had previously operated on a budget of $18 billion. This disparity heavily impacts the quality of essential services, which are now about five times lower. That is why attracting capital has become a necessity, but it is tied to the political positions we take as a Lebanese state. If we succeed in this endeavor, we will open the door to restoring the international community’s confidence, attracting investments, rebuilding the state, and creating a win-win situation, especially for our people in the South.”

“The coming days are decisive, and we hope they will bring good to Lebanon and its people,” he concluded.