Beirut: Kataeb Party leader Samy Gemayel on Thursday urged all Lebanese political factions to support President Joseph Aoun's negotiation efforts. He emphasized the necessity of closing the southern front, asserting state sovereignty, and breaking the cycle of conflict that has long plagued the country.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Gemayel, speaking after his meeting with Aoun at Baabda Palace, stressed that Lebanon must transition away from a state characterized by 'war, instability, bloodshed, destruction, and repeated conflicts'. He advocated for initiating a new era of stability, economic growth, and investment under state protection. He highlighted the importance of ensuring the Lebanese army is the sole entity wielding weapons and called on all communities, particularly the Shiite community, to take responsibility and prevent Hezbollah from holding the country hostage.
Gemayel stated the importance of enforcing state sovereignty and allowing all voices within the Shiite community to be heard. He underscored the necessity of achieving stability and closing the southern front through negotiations to restore Lebanon's economy and rebuild deposits.
Gemayel questioned whether Lebanon should remain trapped in cycles of conflict or whether it should strive for a future defined by stability and prosperity. He insisted that none of these goals would be attainable without first achieving stability, starting with the closure of the southern front through negotiations.
He emphasized the need for national unity in supporting the president's initiative to end the state of war, pointing out that war leads to an economy of war, lacking stability and investment.
Gemayel lauded Aoun's decision to appoint former Ambassador Simon Karam to lead Lebanon's delegation to the ceasefire monitoring body, describing it as a courageous and necessary step to restart negotiations. He also recognized the efforts of former ambassador Antoine Fattal under former President Amine Gemayel, who had led previous talks that did not succeed due to circumstances.
He expressed the necessity of having a president with courage to consolidate weapons and begin negotiations. He praised Aoun's consultative approach and emphasized the significance of his initiative, acknowledging the challenges ahead but aligning with Aoun's intentions and goals.
Gemayel asked all political actors not to create obstacles for the president's efforts, emphasizing the importance of encouragement and support for Aoun's difficult task.
On the topic of parliamentary elections, Gemayel criticized Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri for blocking amendments to the electoral law by not placing the bill on the legislative agenda. He warned that this obstruction could lead to legal violations or election delays, particularly concerning seats for Lebanese abroad, calling the situation a disgrace to the legislative process.
Lastly, Gemayel congratulated Aoun on Pope Leo XIV's recent visit to Lebanon, which he described as highly successful and a source of hope and renewed optimism for the Lebanese people.