Reactions to the controversial naturalization decree continued in Lebanon as some parliamentary blocs are preparing to challenge it before the Constitutional Council.
Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rai stressed on Sunday that the basis for granting citizenship was blood ties, and not land and services.
“One of the expressions of mercy is transparency in dealing [with public matters] and respecting public opinion, especially with regards to the naturalization decree, which caused a justified uproar because of the concealment of its content,” Rai said.
He added that a similar decree passed in 1994 led to“demographic defect”, voicing fears over the presence of large numbers of refugees and displaced on the Lebanese territories.
“In any case, the basis for granting Lebanese nationality remains blood ties, not land [ownership] or services,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Kataeb Party and the Democratic Gathering bloc have reiterated their willingness to challenge the decree before the Constitutional Council.
Kataeb MP Sami Gemayel stressed that the Lebanese nationality should not be underestimated, noting that his party would challenge the decree, which was signed by President Michel Aoun.
“We are preparing a series of moves to cancel the naturalization decree, and the Lebanese people are required to be aware of the seriousness of the stage,” Gemayel said, describing the decree as “legal heresy”.
“What criteria have been adopted for the naturalization of Syrians and Palestinians?” He asked.
For his part, former minister and Democratic Gathering bloc MP Wael Abu Faour said that the decree would not pass, expressing his rejection to convert the Lebanese nationality into a commodity.
MP Ibrahim Kenaan, member of the “Strong Lebanon” bloc, previously the Reform and Change bloc, responded to the wave criticism against the president of the republic as a result of signing the decree, saying: “We have full confidence in the decisions of President Aoun, who believes in institutions and law; and that is why he called for verifying the names” of those who were granted citizenship.
