The Change and Reform bloc warned on Tuesday of attempts to naturalize Syrian and Palestinian refugees residing in Lebanon, while highlighting the burden they are imposing on the country.

MP Ibrahim Kanaan said after the bloc's weekly meeting: “We remind the international community of its obligations towards providing the refugees with aid, but hope that it will not reach a point that would lead to their naturalization.”

Change and Reform bloc MP Ibrahim Kanaan revealed on Friday that the “declaration of intentions” between the Free Patriotic Movement and the Lebanese Forces has been completed.

“The implementation of the declaration began,” Kanaan said in comments to Voice of Lebanon radio (100.5).

The fate of a controversial parliamentary session that Speaker Nabih Berri insists on calling for is facing further obstacles as Christian lawmakers are holding onto their decision to boycott it.

Berri warned in comments published in local newspapers that boycotting the session would lead to chaos in the country, accusing “those who are obstructing legislation on the pretext of presidential vacuum are also boycotting the elections sessions.”

The Change and Reform bloc condemned on Tuesday the appointment of “unqualified” individuals at positions at various state institutions, stressing the need to adhere to the constitution.

MP Ibrahim Kanaan stated after the bloc's weekly meeting: “We reject the government's approach of either facing vacuum or accepting the extension of terms of officials or authorities, such as parliament.”

Lebanese Forces media officer Melhem Riachi stressed on Saturday that the party insists on carrying out reconciliation with the Free Patriotic Movement and announce the “declaration of intent.”

He pointed out that prominent officials at the LF don't oppose the reconciliation with the FPM, noting that he is only a mediator tasked by the party chief, Samir Geagea, to follow up the matter.

Change and Reform bloc MP Ibrahim Kanaan held talks on Thursday with Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea as part of the dialogue between the Free Patriotic Movement and LF and their plan to announce a “declaration of intentions.”

Kanaan said after the meeting: “The declaration is almost complete.”

Change and Reform bloc lawmaker Ibrahim Kanaan stressed on Wednesday that ties with the seat of the Maronite church are still intact despite differences over political matters.

“The national partnership with Bkirki is ongoing and comprehensive,” Kanaan said in comments to Voice of Lebanon radio (100.5).

Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun met with Lebanese forces official Melhem Riachi to hand him his comments on the final draft of the "declaration of intent" as dialogue between the Christian rivals is advancing at steady pace.

“We will later on announce new practical steps,” Change and Reform bloc MP Ibrahim Kanaan said in comments published in al-Joumhouria newspaper on Saturday.

The Change and Reform parliamentary bloc stressed Tuesday the need to maintain the work of state institutions amid the presidential void, warning that the country might lose foreign loans and donations that have been put on hold due to the political crisis.

“The bloc stressed the need to maintain the work of state institutions and to exert efforts to prevent their paralysis, especially regarding the necessary and essential matters which affect all Lebanese,” MP Ibrahim Kanaan announced after the bloc's weekly meeting in Rabieh.

A meeting is expected to be held on Tuesday between Lebanese Forces official Melhem Riachi and Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun to continue the ongoing discussions over the “declaration of intent” between the two parties.

According to al-Mustaqbal newspaper published on Monday, the meeting will tackle the document of principles and set the second stage of the dialogue between the two Christian parties.