National Bloc to Nasrallah: Lebanon at stake by linking economy to any warring axes

Read the full statement below:

In his latest appearance, the Secretary-General of Hezbollah, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, addressed the dire economic and social situation in Lebanon, asserting that Lebanon’s interest was to keep the current government in place since Lebanon cannot afford any change.

Amid this unprecedented ordeal in our history, the most significant danger we are facing is the lack of confidence in the political leaderships, or the so-called “parties-sects”.

In analytical and abstract terms, we find that this government is the Cabinet of the parties in power. After 100 days, the deteriorating economic and living conditions were their only achievement. This is mainly attributed to their prevailing mindset for 30 years, particularly the sectarianism and the quota system at the people’s expense. This government is a mere continuity of this quota-setting approach in nominations and the waste of public funds, the citizens’ money. The latest piece of evidence they produced was “Selaata above all considerations.” Change is not the solution, what is really needed is a positive shock caused by the end of this government, to be replaced by another truly sovereign and independent government, vested with expanded powers. Not calling for this evokes the words of Imam Ali Ben Abi Taleb: “When the people of truth remain quiet in the face of falsehood, the people of falsehood start to believe they are truthful.” If this situation remains unchanged, neither the Caesar Act nor the sanctions would be needed by Lebanon’s enemies, as those in power would have decimated the country.

Regarding the approach taken towards the US dollar crisis and the pressures exerted by the United States on Lebanon, when Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said that we have to liberate ourselves from this currency and to turn eastward towards “our friends”, and trade with them using our currency, the problem here is not about embracing the East or the West. In fact, China that was mentioned by Nasrallah has already an established presence in Lebanon, through the GSM network, and in every product we consume since China became the “factory of the world.” However, would China accept to invest in Lebanon under a quota-setting authority and the absence of the rule of law to protect its investments? If China would ever risk investing in Lebanon, it would certainly not be, as for all other investments, made since 30 years, at the service of the citizens, but for the benefit of the quota authority and clientelism, which led Lebanon to collapse under excruciating debts and losses.

As for Iran and Syria, the latter is the gateway for Lebanon’s exports to the Arab world, and keeping it open is indispensable. The same applies to the GCC markets, where hundreds of thousands of Lebanese nationals are working.

Nevertheless, the risk posed by these relations is linking our economy to the warring axes, whatever they may be, and Lebanon’s economic choices to be caught up in the midst of conflicts between nearby and distant countries.

Through a government trusted by the citizens, our neutrality by staying away from the ‘wars of others’, the citizens’ mutual confidence, and an overwhelming conviction by all with regard to the duties and rights of protecting the country and all Lebanese against any external aggression by our armed forces, Lebanon will finally be able to boost its immunity. The strong immunity, determination, and dignity of Lebanese will then repel the Caesar Act, and any other imminent threat.