Following the formation of the new national-unity Cabinet, a heated debate arose between March 14 Christian parties and opposition groups over a clause in the ministerial statement on the resistance’s right to liberate occupied territories independently from the state.

The Lebanese Forces and the Phalange Party along with several independent MPs said article six in the statement conflicted with international resolutions and the state’s monopoly of authority by granting the resistance an independent status.

Article six of the statement highlights “Lebanon’s right to liberate its occupied territories by means of its army, resistance and people.”

“The conventional army is alone to defend the nation and the resistance along with its arms should join the Lebanese Army when everyone resists the enemy,” Sfeir said.

Sfeir’s statement preceded talks with Sleiman at Baabda Palace during which they tackled the issue of Hezbollah’s weapons, upcoming discussions over a national defense strategy, the abolishing of political sectarianism and the Palestinian refugees’ right of return.

Sfeir, heading the Maronite Bishops Council, had earlier held talks with Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun after a break in contact between both men in the previous months.

The meeting, which was described as positive, did not, however, lead to an agreement over the issue of Hezbollah’s weapons, though the bishops called for the restriction of arms to the Lebanese Army.

The issue of Hezbollah’s weapons and Aoun’s alliance with the party has been the source of tensions between the patriarchy and the FPM leader in recent months.

On Tuesday, Sfeir argued that a party which works for its personal interests at the expense of nation’s would “be working toward the destruction of the nation.”

“Is it possible to have a conventional army and another one not compliant with [the state’s] legitimacy directing its arms one day toward the enemy and another day toward domestic parties?” Sfeir asked, referring to Hezbollah’s role in the May 7, 2008, clashes.

Bloody clashes broke out on May 7 between pro-opposition and government supporters in Beirut following a Cabinet decision to dismantle Hezbollah’s telecommunication network.

Tackling Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri’s call to abolish political sectarianism, Sfeir reiterated his earlier statement, stressing the need to abolish political sectarianism from souls before records.

“The implementation of the Taif Accord necessitates the discussions of its articles step by step,” Sfeir added.

Sfeir also emphasized that “democracy dictated that a majority rules and a minority opposed but today they joined in a national unity Cabinet; nevertheless, there are still obstacles which have not been removed yet.”

Christian leaders rejected Berri’s call to form a national committee tasked with abolishing political sectarianism in the current circumstances, saying it would instigate a schism among the Lebanese while others tied it to the full implementation of the Taif Accord. -Daily Star