The Kataeb Party Today
Since the end of Syria’s occupation of Lebanon in 2005, the Kataeb Party has attracted once again new generations and has regained its role as one of the major political actors in Lebanon. The Party has a large network in Lebanon and abroad and one could not nearly find a major city or town without a Kataeb permanence.
The Party has an active parliamentary group and got MPs elected in nearly all major Christian constituencies as Beirut, Metn, Zahlé, Aley and the North. Moreover, Kataeb Ministers have been particularly active in governments led by the March 14 coalition, namely in Ministries of Industry, Social Affairs and Tourism.
The Kataeb Party calls for an objective assessment of the Lebanese political system’s limitations in order to guarantee the required political stability, security and economic prosperity. The series of political crises that Lebanon witnessed since its first independence in 1943 highlighted indeed the shortcomings of the consensual and unitary system and its inadequacy with pluralistic countries as Lebanon.
During the 2009 parliamentary elections that saw the victory of the Party and its allies, Kataeb presented a comprehensive and serious program under the title of “Pact of Stability”. The vision of the Party revolves around the following main ideas: Adopting decentralization in order to be closer to the citizen and guarantee basic rights and freedoms, in order to manage constructively Lebanon’s cultural pluralism and to ensure development in all parts of the Lebanese territory. Proclaiming the neutrality of Lebanon towards all armed conflicts in the region in order to sideline Lebanon from external meddling into its affairs, except for the Arab-Israeli conflict. Safeguarding the secular State in Lebanon and completing its legal framework to guarantee the freedom of the individual and the respect of his rights and integrity. Ending the military status of several Lebanese and non-Lebanese groups such as Hezbollah, Palestinian armed militias and other Islamists groups, and call for their immediate disarmament. Committing to all relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, primarily 1559 (2004), 1680 (2006), 1701 (2006) and 1757 (2007). Rejecting any form of permanent settlement of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon at the expense of their right of return. Reforming the Lebanese Administration and adopting modern economic policies to stimulate the economy, insure prosperity and therefore stop emigration. The Party is also strongly concerned about the presence of Palestinian refugees with their regional and domestic ramifications. Notwithstanding that the Kataeb has recently attempted to improve the inhumane living conditions of refugees through Parliament, it remains concerned about latent or gradual attempts to force their permanent settlement in Lebanon.
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