Christian Front expresses concern over Iranian military presence in Lebanon

BEIRUT — The Christian Front of Lebanon released a statement expressing concern about the current situation in the country. The statement referred to internal indicators that recall the atmosphere that prevailed before 1975, which ultimately led to war on 13 April of that year. At that time, an armed Palestinian presence, supported both internally and externally, controlled Lebanese territory and violated the sovereignty of the Lebanese state and its people.

The statement emphasized that the violation of sovereignty was the primary reason for the war, which aimed to displace Christians and establish an alternative Palestinian entity. It warned that today, the Iranian military presence, represented by Hezbollah, Hamas, and their political allies, is similarly violating sovereignty, taking control of all aspects of the state, and impoverishing Lebanon while isolating it from the Arab and international community.

To prevent Christians from being isolated, as they have been in the past, the statement called for the establishment of a federal system in Lebanon as the only solution for maintaining coexistence and establishing peace.

Additionally, the Christian Front expressed concern about Syrian asylum and international attempts to integrate Syrian refugees into Lebanese society. The statement declared such attempts a crime against the homeland and part of the Iranian-Syrian international agenda. The Front urged for the immediate return of refugees to their country to avoid an increase in crime, illegal arms, and the deepening of demographic imbalances.

Lastly, the Christian Front denounced any effort to marginalize Christians, delay the presidential election, or employ individuals from sectarian backgrounds in official institutions, departments, and agencies. The Front noted that the isolation of Christians from the state is perpetuated through groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and other terrorist organizations linked to Iran.