MPs Ali Hasan Khalil, a member of the “Liberation and Development” bloc, and Hasan Fadlallah, a member of the “Loyalty to the Resistance” bloc, held a joint press conference at the Parliament building following the conclusion of the Finance and Budget Committee session.
Khalil stated, “Today, the Finance Committee provided an opportunity to address the most sensitive and crucial issue: the plight of those affected by the ongoing Israeli aggression against our country, which has persisted for over a year, and its catastrophic consequences in some areas due to widespread destruction and displacement in numerous villages along the front lines.”
He added, “The discussion was responsible, with MPs unanimously recognizing the sensitivity and critical nature of this matter. This is essential for bolstering social stability for most Lebanese citizens, not just those directly impacted, as the repercussions of this aggression have had a profound impact across the entire nation.”
He said, “During this session, we emphasized that the government is fulfilling its obligations regarding the issuance of the decree regulating reconstruction and restoration, a matter that has been delayed. Unfortunately, it has been placed on the Cabinet’s agenda twice, and we hope it will be approved in the next session so that everyone knows their rights and responsibilities. Most importantly, today’s achievement is the result of the insistence of most of the participating MPs from the ‘Loyalty to the Resistance’ and ‘Liberation and Development’ blocs, and the positive response from His Excellency the Minister of Finance in allocating funds to launch the reconstruction process, as well as allocating funds to the Council of the South for its area of operation and to the Higher Relief Commission for its area of operation. These funds will address some issues related to housing people.” This sum is certainly not substantial, but it marks the beginning of this major national effort.”
For his part, MP Hasan Fadlallah said, “Today, from Parliament, particularly the Loyalty to the Resistance and Development and Liberation blocs, along with our colleagues present, we have sent a message to all Lebanese citizens, especially those in the South, the Western Bekaa, the southern suburbs of Beirut, Baalbek-Hermel, Zahle, and all those affected by the Israeli aggression. The message is that there is a state that wants to shoulder its responsibility. While it is true that the government is responsible for providing the necessary funds for reconstruction, Parliament today has practically launched the first on-the-ground step in the reconstruction process, even if with initial sums covering crucial issues for citizens, whether housing, structural repairs, or other urgent matters. This will certainly help to alleviate some of the suffering.”
He added, “It is true that the reconstruction project requires large sums of money, but the Lebanese government and state cannot remain spectators waiting for money to come from abroad. We are with all the assistance provided to Lebanon, and we welcome all unconditional and non-politicized assistance provided for reconstruction, but at the same time there is a responsibility on the Lebanese state towards its people.”
Source: Al-Manar English Website
