March 8 MPs Defend Government on Second Day of Parliamentary Session
March 8 camp MPs took turns on Wednesday in defending the government on the second day of the session aimed at assessing its work.
Development and Liberation bloc MP Ghazi Zoaiter defended the government’s decision to distance itself from regional affairs, saying that such a position guarantees Lebanon’s neutrality and its equidistance from all sides.
He continued: “Shouldn’t those demanding respecting the constitution oppose the smuggling of arms to Syria and stop their criticism against the army?”
Addressing the government, the MP stated: “Apply the law and respect agreements because hesitation will not benefit you.”
“Hesitation leads to wars,” warned Zoaiter.
In addition, he said that the rise of the state begins with a comprehensive development plan.
Loyalty to the Resistance bloc MP Ali Fayyad then took to the podium, noting that the successes and failures of the current government are linked to the previous ones.
“It is hard to separate the assessment of this government from those of the past,” he added.
“This government succeeded in maintaining stability while other sides sought to target it,” he said.
He was then followed by Change and Reform bloc MP Ziad Aswad who said: “We are standing before a plan aimed at monopolizing power and changing Lebanon’s identity.”
“Some sides in Lebanon are seeking to eliminate its uniqueness and coexistence among its people,” he added.
Fellow Change and Reform bloc MP Nabil Nicolas also addressed parliament, saying that the “construction of the state cannot be based on spite”
He questioned the country’s massive $60 billion debt and failure to implement the Taef Accord, blaming previous governments for the burdens the current government has to stand.
“Is this inheritance something we should be proud of or the cause for strife?” he asked.
Some 53 lawmakers are expected to deliver speeches during the parliamentary session aimed at assessing the government’s performance.
Speaker Nabih Berri warned that he may have to extend the sessions to Saturday should they not be completed by Thursday.
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