Project Watan: Lebanon Is at a Turning Point Amid Diplomatic Momentum and a Negotiation Track

Project Watan: Lebanon Is at a Turning Point Amid Diplomatic Momentum and a Negotiation Track

Project Watan’s Executive Board held its weekly meeting, chaired by MP Neemat Frem and attended by all members. After reviewing the latest domestic and regional developments, the following statement was issued:

1- Project Watan underscores the importance of the current diplomatic momentum in Lebanon, as reflected in the influx of foreign delegations and missions to Beirut. The Board views this dynamic as evidence of the international community’s recognition of the sensitivity of the Lebanese situation and its close connection to regional developments – particularly the Israeli operations in South Lebanon and the latest developments on the Syrian arena. It stresses that any internal decision or position taken at this stage will have substantial implications for the security and military landscape domestically, and for Lebanon’s future as a whole.

2- Project Watan congratulates the Lebanese state on the appointment of Ambassador Simon Karam as head of Lebanon’s negotiating team in the “mechanism” committee. It considers this step – coming after the Independence Day address and following the visit of His Holiness the Supreme Pontiff – to be a coherent path capable of producing a qualitative shift in negotiations and ushering in a new phase. It also serves as a safeguard against the consequences of military confrontation and helps steer Lebanon toward a new horizon. This marks the beginning of a journey toward a “new Lebanon,” and offers a protective umbrella for all Lebanese against the scourge of proxy conflicts on their soil.

3- The Board welcomes the introduction of the Financial Gap Law for discussion – legislation which, if adopted, would represent a significant step forward, particularly in terms of the Lebanese state acknowledging its responsibilities toward depositors, and compelling the Central Bank and commercial banks to disburse the first payment. The state would then commit to issuing treasury bonds backed by the Central Bank’s assets. This would affirm the state’s recognition of its responsibility and constitute major progress, signaling the beginning of a fair solution for all stakeholders, especially the depositors.

The Executive Board also highlights the importance of the proposed law to establish the “State Asset Investment Authority,” which would grant depositors the opportunity to invest the treasury bonds issued to them by the state. The law sets a clear percentage framework allowing depositors to channel their former deposits – converted into investment bonds – into state assets through companies to be created by the Authority.