NNA - Lebanese Kataeb Party leader Samy Gemayel has underscored the urgency of halting hostilities along Lebanon’s southern border to enable the nation to address internal challenges and reclaim its former status as a prosperous and beautiful country, before it became entrenched in perpetual conflict.
Speaking at a meeting with Kataeb members from Zahle, Gemayel asserted that once the current war concludes, there must be an open dialogue among all Lebanese to comprehensively tackle issues, ensuring the preservation of rights without compromising on freedom, dignity, and national sovereignty.
"We oppose negotiations limited to Hezbollah and Israel, which prioritize satisfying both parties to halt fighting while neglecting the interests of the Lebanese people. Lebanon's interests must take precedence at the negotiation table. As an opposition force, we are prepared to engage in discussions on behalf of the Lebanese people," he emphasized.
Gemayel said that UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which aims to prevent dragging Lebanon into war, is insufficient, arguing that Resolution 1559 aimed at disarming militias, is pivotal and should have been implemented to obviate the need for subsequent resolutions.
“Those willing to make concessions to Hezbollah and Israel should do so at their own expense, not at the expense of the Lebanese."
Gemayel highlighted Lebanon's ability to overcome its challenges, given its small size and abundant natural and human resources. He insisted that Lebanon could regain prosperity if freed from Hezbollah's control, accusing the group of obstructing state formation, manipulating national decisions, and steering Lebanon's future.
Gemayel accused Hezbollah of obstructing presidential elections by disrupting voting quorums and collaborating with Nabih Berri to prevent parliamentary sessions.
“They refuse to agree with others on a consensual candidate who would be accepted by all. Hezbollah insists on imposing its choice of President to maintain its grip on the country, rendering the presidency inactive,” he said. “In post-war negotiations, it should be the President representing Lebanon and its people, a notion Hezbollah opposes as it seeks to lead the negotiations to serve its own interests and those of Iran.”
Gemayel urged a focus on finding a lasting solution for Lebanon, moving beyond temporary arrangements, and building a nation where all who cherish its unity can live together in a civilized society, irrespective of sectarian affiliations.
"Those seeking foreign alliances should establish their own state," Gemayel asserted, rejecting the notion of Lebanese living with perpetual insecurity and passing these concerns to future generations through temporary concessions.
Gemayel clarified that he supports compensating victims of southern conflict and others affected, provided similar recognition is extended to martyrs of the Lebanese resistance. He firmly rejected the concept of categorizing martyrs into first and second classes, calling for the state to honor all who sacrificed their lives defending Lebanon.
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