Kataeb party leader MP Sami Gemayel has urged the international community to help Lebanon regain its decision-making by ending Iran’s interference in its internal affairs.
Iran-backed “Hezbollah controls the decision of war and peace in Lebanon,” said Gemayel during a meeting held by the Centrist Democrat International's executive committee in Rome on Friday.
He called for ending the Iranian meddling and for steering Lebanon clear of regional tension by implementing UN Security Council decisions, mainly Resolutions 1701 and 1559.
Gemayel, who is IDC-CDI executive committee’s vice president, stressed the importance of the international community shedding light on damages to Lebanon’s national sovereignty as well as on the increased clampdown on freedom of expression and speech.
Lebanon is loosing its status as the beacon of democracy and freedoms in the Middle East as a result of a crackdown by the authorities on the press and citizens who are expressing their viewpoints in different ways, he said.
The Kataeb chief slammed the Lebanese government over its mismanagement of economic affairs and its failure to adopt the required reforms to resolve deteriorating fiscal and monetary conditions.
He also warned that Lebanon would face further international isolation if more sanctions are imposed on several banks, institutions and individuals.
