Kataeb Leader Samy Gemayel affirmed that the top priority is to safeguard Lebanon, emphasizing the rejection of any settlement at the expense of the state’s sovereignty.
He firmly stated his opposition to Beirut becoming a bargaining chip for border agreements.
Gemayel’s remarks came after his meeting with the French Ambassador to Lebanon Hervé Magro.
The meeting was attended by Kataeb Political Bureau Member Joelle Bou Abboud, Head of Kataeb Foreign Affairs Department Marwan Abdallah, and Lawyer Adel Nassar.
“The meeting with the French Ambassador was crucial and fruitful. We conveyed our concerns to him regarding the developments in the south. We are apprehensive that no one speaks on behalf of Lebanon, as negotiations are taking place with Hezbollah, and Lebanon is left vulnerable. Our priority is to protect our country and our people,” Gemayel noted.
“Everyone is concerned about the return of the Palestinians who were displaced from Gaza, but no one talks about the Lebanese who were displaced within
Lebanon and the tens of thousands who left their villages. Unfortunately, the state does not address the issue. The danger is that there are contacts and negotiations, and everyone is waiting for a resolution between Israel and Hezbollah, while official Lebanon is absent. This creates significant concern for us,” he explained.
“Our priority is to avoid any settlement at the expense of the state’s sovereignty. What matters to us is the implementation of UNSC Resolution 1701 to prevent any aggression against us,
but we also care about the enforcement of UNSC Resolution 1559, the fundamental condition for Lebanon to regain its full decision-making power. The state should reclaim its decision and oversee the defense,” he emphasized.
He believed that the state must be responsible for its security and the security of the people.
“This requires the election of a president who serves as the primary spokesperson for Lebanon, the chief negotiator, and one who places Lebanon’s interests on the table, addressing the
Lebanese cause on all fronts,” Gemayel affirmed.
“This places Hezbollah before significant choices. Will it choose to remain isolated from the state and the Lebanese people, putting itself in confrontation with them? Does it desire a perpetual state of conflict, violence, attempting to marginalize others and assert control over them, eliminating adversaries? Or does it aspire to be a significant and constructive partner?” he asked.
The Kataeb Leader emphasized that there is no escape from reaching a stage where all issues and concerns are openly discussed.
He stressed the need to seriously contemplate Lebanon’s future, expressing that the Lebanese are not prepared to be residents on land governed by anyone who does not adhere to institutional principles.
He further indicated that the top priority is to safeguard Lebanon, stating, “We closely monitor all developments in negotiations and communications locally and internationally. We will stay connected with the Lebanese people, sharing our concerns and sug
gestions, with the aim of resolving the crisis on the borders for the benefit of Lebanon.”
“We will remain positive, approach the future with optimism, and be prepared to defend our country. We will always speak the truth,” he pointed out.
Source: National News Agency – Lebanon