NB in a panel discussion organized by LIQAA: To resolve the Lebanese crisis by eradicating inherited defects and transitioning to a civil state

The first theme of the three-pronged workshop addressed the nature of the crisis. Our delegation, of fellow party members Rona Kayal and Reem Dika, stressed that this situation is a combination of crises pertaining to the Lebanese nation, pact, Constitution, equation, and political system and stemming from 5 inherited defects deeply entrenched in Lebanon: political sectarianism, corruption, clientelism, feudalism and political inheritance, as well as the dependence on foreign powers.

In the second theme, participants defined the nature of needed solutions, Lebanon's regional role in this stage, the Lebanese powers’ stance regarding the current situation, and Lebanon's positioning towards the axes. The delegation considered that the divisive scenarios were always on the table in the region, and continuously proposed based on its diversity. This diversity is a double-edged sword, as Israel is always betting on it and is exploited by many countries at the service of the Zionist regime. It pointed out that the regional circumstances are bearing the brunt of conflicts between the strong interests of major states in the region and great powers. They are subject to the interests of great powers, without any consideration to their people and the interests of their states amid their rising uncertainties.

As for the role of Lebanon and the Lebanese powers in the region, the delegation considered that Lebanon is an integral part of this region and should restore its developmental role in its Arab surrounding, for being a paradigm of religious and cultural diversity, as well as freedom of speech. Lebanon should adopt neutrality in conflicts, wars, and the confrontation of axes, and this was proved by their implications on internal divisions and negative repercussions every time Lebanon was involved in them, since the Baghdad Pact until today, the delegation said. However, Lebanon will keep expressing its solidarity with the Palestinian cause, while maintaining its sovereignty and avoiding exaggerations going beyond claims by Palestinians themselves. The delegation emphasized that the Syrian Arabic Republic is Lebanon’s only land gateway to Arab countries. Hence the importance of having the best relationship with Syria, based on full respect of both countries’ sovereignty, particularly with respect to demarcating their borders.

The third theme was about finding an ultimate solution for Lebanon in the future to avoid becoming a battleground. The delegation saw that the main solution is to gradually transition towards a civil state, by following a set schedule. Building a citizen-centered state is indeed the only long-term solution for all our crises. This state can find strong foundations to build on following the October 17 revolution and August 4 explosion, after the show of solidarity and synergy between the Lebanese people, from all over the country amid a total absence of the state, but even an international humiliation to the state by insisting on not dealing with it. The second foundation of this civil state is to fully respect Lebanon's sovereignty, internally first by achieving equality between citizens, then externally by applying the principle of reciprocity, and the principle of non-interference in internal affairs of states, as provided for and restricted by Lebanon's obligations towards the League of Arab States and United Nations. The delegation affirmed that this is what the National Bloc had always strongly called for, and what it constantly sought until today. The third foundation of the civil state is to reach a Prosperous, Green, and Equitable Lebanon.

At the end of the workshop, a discussion took place between the participants who expressed their different views. They highlighted the importance of dialogue and the need to pursue it by identifying key topics to be debated in future gatherings.