President of the National Dialogue Party, MP Fouad Makhzoumi, hosted a breakfast at his residence for a delegation from the Lebanese Gathering, represented by Mr. Fahd Al-Saqqal and a group of its members, in the presence of MP Makhzoumi’s Political Advisor, Ms. Carol Zouein. Discussions focused on national issues and the latest developments in Lebanon and the region.

In his remarks, Makhzoumi welcomed the attendees and congratulated Lebanon and the Lebanese people on the election of a President of the Republic. He expressed his hope that a constitutional government would be formed, one that would secure the confidence of a majority of Parliament and set Lebanon on the path of reform.

Makhzoumi stressed that the new government must make reforming economic, financial, structural, and monetary policies a top priority in order to restore macroeconomic stability and place all sectors of the economy on a path toward sustainable growth. He also emphasized the need to enforce anti-corruption legislation across the country’s key sectors and establish a framework for governance, oversight, transparency, accountability, and responsibility.

Makhzoumi underscored the importance of adhering to the implementation of Arab League and United Nations resolutions, foremost among them UN Security Council Resolution 1701, in order to protect Lebanon from becoming merely an arena for regional power struggles at the expense of its state and people. He stated that Lebanon must now rebuild its relations with its Arab surroundings, restore its strong ties with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and regain the confidence of the international community as a whole.

The delegation praised MP Makhzoumi’s patriotic stance in withdrawing his candidacy for the premiership, commending his willingness to set aside personal ambitions and interests and his sacrifices in the service of the nation.

Members of the delegation stressed the need to pave the way for building the Third Republic and establishing a civil state. They called for the full implementation of the provisions of the Taif Agreement, the introduction of political and social reforms, and enabling Lebanon to reclaim its leading role in the Middle East.

It is worth noting that the Lebanese Gathering was launched by a group of Lebanese intellectuals and prominent figures united by their passion and commitment to adopting good governance standards as a means of building a new Lebanon.