Phalange Party Holds Positive Meeting with FPM over Neutrality Law

MP Elie Marouni revealed on Thursday that the Phalange Party took the initiative to propose a draft-law concerning Lebanon's dissociation policy, which is the only way to maintain the country's stability.

“We began a tour on all the parliamentary blocs to convince them of our proposal,” Marouni said after talks between the Phalange Party and Free Patriotic Party lawmakers at the parliament.

He pointed out that the meeting tackled several issues, saying: “We have a common aim, which is to safeguard Lebanon and distance it from all the conflicts that have negative repercussions on it.”

“We are seeking to have consensus to safeguard the country and maintain its stability,” the Phalange MP added.

Phalange Party MP Sami Gemayel announced on Tuesday coming forward with a suggestion to amend the preamble of the constitution to stipulate Lebanon's neutrality towards regional conflicts.

“The Baabda Declaration must be adopted in the constitution and in the laws so that no one can act against it. It will be considered illegal if the declaration is breached,” he said.

The Baabda Declaration was unanimously adopted during a national dialogue session in June 2012. It calls for Lebanon to disassociate itself from regional crises, most notably the one in Syria.

For his part, FPM MP Ibrahim Kanaan said that the Phalange party's proposal is “worth discussing.”

“We value the initiative undertaken by the Phalange party,” he noted.

Kanaan stressed the importance of dissociating Lebanon, which requires further development.”