logo
Kataeb official Sassine Sassine urges Beirut voters to respect existing agreement among political factions

Kataeb official Sassine Sassine urges Beirut voters to respect existing agreement among political factions

LBCI12-05-2025

Sassine Sassine, adviser to the leader of the Kataeb Party, said that a significant shift has taken place in Lebanese public sentiment, noting that most citizens have come to realize that illegal weapons have failed to protect anyone.
Commenting on the ongoing municipal and mukhtar elections, Sassine emphasized that the process is a constitutional duty and that the Lebanese state is doing everything possible to ensure the elections are successful.
"The Kataeb Party is satisfied with the way things are progressing," he said.
Regarding the Beirut elections, Sassine acknowledged the proposal made by General Ashraf Rifi concerning the two Beirut districts, describing it as a fair approach that aims to represent all sides.
Nonetheless, he noted that such a discussion requires a "calm fire" — a Lebanese expression implying thoughtful and patient dialogue—to reach true consensus. He also urged Beirut voters to respect the existing agreement among the city's political and community factions.
In Zahle, Sassine said the lack of an electoral alliance between the Kataeb and the Lebanese Forces was due to decisions made by local Lebanese Forces officials in the district.
However, he clarified that the Kataeb maintains regular communication with the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) leadership nationwide.
"It is through open dialogue with all parties that we can rebuild the country," he concluded.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

As Gaza assault widens, criticism mounts in Israel over stalled deal
As Gaza assault widens, criticism mounts in Israel over stalled deal

LBCI

time8 hours ago

  • LBCI

As Gaza assault widens, criticism mounts in Israel over stalled deal

Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian Israel responded to Hamas' demand to amend the "Witkoff proposal"—specifically the call for a ceasefire in Gaza—by doubling down on its military campaign and expanding the ongoing Operation "Gideon's Chariots." In a closed security meeting, Israel decided to increase military pressure, particularly in the northern Gaza Strip, following intelligence reports indicating that Hamas' Gaza Brigade commander, Ezz al-Din al-Haddad, may be present in the area. As families of Israeli hostages and critics of the government blamed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for obstructing a potential deal, sources familiar with the negotiations said the United States is continuing efforts to draft a new proposal acceptable to both sides. However, ministers in Israel's ruling coalition have rejected any new or previous proposals. Meanwhile, as the Israeli military continues its large-scale mobilization—reaching 450,000 reservists—an Israeli report said the army has established a one-kilometer-wide buffer zone along the length of the Gaza Strip. Civilians are now barred from entering areas up to three kilometers from this zone. The army has announced control over 80% of the Gaza Strip, where homes, factories, and farmland have been systematically destroyed. Even fishermen have been prohibited from returning to work.

Amid security risks, south Lebanon's farmers face uncertainty as agriculture ministry pushes to revive farming
Amid security risks, south Lebanon's farmers face uncertainty as agriculture ministry pushes to revive farming

LBCI

time8 hours ago

  • LBCI

Amid security risks, south Lebanon's farmers face uncertainty as agriculture ministry pushes to revive farming

Report by Lara El Hachem, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian Lebanese farmers in the Mazraat Sardah and Marjayoun plain areas live at the mercy of Israeli forces stationed on El Hamames Hill in Lebanon. Half of the Marjayoun plain—about 17 million square meters—is off-limits due to the ongoing threat of Israeli military patrols, the latest of which residents documented on Friday. This marks the third consecutive season that southern farmers have faced uncertainty and fear. In response, the Ministry of Agriculture launched an initiative to revive the sector by securing safety guarantees for farmers who wish to return to their land. Under the plan, interested farmers must file a request with their local municipality, including their name, phone number, land registration area, and type of agricultural activity. These requests will be forwarded to the ministry, which will coordinate with the Lebanese army and UNIFIL to obtain safety assurances for the farmers. The ministry aims to secure ongoing access, requiring farmers to specify the number of planned visits based on the crop type and growing season. Agricultural losses in front-line villages—from Kfarchouba to Naqoura—have exceeded 80% due to wildfires and bulldozing operations. The Agriculture Ministry attempted to offset some of these losses by planting olive trees with support from international organizations. Beyond crop damage, livestock losses have been devastating—even in second-line villages. Many farms have been destroyed, and numerous herders were forced to sell their animals at a loss to survive. While this initiative is a first step toward recovery, results are far from guaranteed as long as Israel continues to dictate the fate of Lebanon's southern border communities through force, intimidation, and violence.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store