Kataeb leader Samy Gemayel has denounced the media campaign orchestrated against him by Hezbollah, which he was subjected to last week, as well as the direct threats made against him following an interview with BFMTV. Gemayel retorted, "We're used to dealing with this type of attack, but when it becomes a topic of discussion on Manar and Akhbar's (Hezbollah's television and publication) news and their spokesmen mobilize, it means that the decision has been taken and the message is well received." The threat is always present, it diminishes and sometimes it intensifies, which is nothing new, but what is dangerous at the moment is that the Hezbollah media machine considers Habib Chartouni a hero, which means they are encouraging our murder, and this could be a prelude to more assassinations because we have already experienced this atmosphere."
In an interview with local TV station LBCI, Samy Gemayel harshly criticized Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati for admitting that the decision on war and peace was not his to take, even though he is the head of the government, and the Free Patriotic Movement for having been complicit in the political overthrow of the pro-Iranian formation. "We are not against Hezbollah as a political partner, but we refuse to be under its authority," he said.
"In my opinion, there is nothing more important today than the international community's support for the Lebanese Army, especially in the current circumstances. I have total confidence in the Lebanese Army, and international support for the military institution is the most powerful weapon against Israel. When the Lebanese Army is deployed on the southern border, the whole world will stand by Lebanon," stressed the MP.
Turning to the Palestinian cause, the Kataeb leader declared that "what is happening in Gaza is intolerable, and we support the legitimate right of the Palestinian people to have a state and to live with dignity. We stand in full solidarity with them. However, it is unacceptable to sacrifice Lebanon's sovereignty and peace for a cause other than that of our country." He added, "Our martyrs fell defending Lebanon against the enemy, and those who confront the Israelis from Lebanon are martyrs. But is Hezbollah ready to recognize the martyrs of the Lebanese resistance?"
Commenting on the latest diplomatic visits, Gemayel said that "neither Lebanon, Hezbollah, Iran, nor Israel have any interest in a full-scale war in Lebanon. This explains the intensification of diplomatic efforts in the region, aimed at preventing regional conflagration and finding a suitable solution for all parties concerned."
Addressing a question about Hezbollah's weapons, the Kataeb chief explained that the pro-Iranian militia "wants to legitimize its weapons through a draft that suits it and a president that is favorable to it, while silencing the voices that oppose it." He continued, "Nevertheless, we are ready to sit down at the same table with Hezbollah and discuss all institutional issues, provided that the Shiite formation agrees to respect the Constitution, the state, and the principle of equality." As Samy Gemayel points out, "Federalism and decentralization are not solutions for those who impose their will and take the country hostage."
When questioned about the presidential elections, the Kataeb leader said he was not opposed to the candidacy of the Army's Commander-in-Chief, General Joseph Aoun — although the latter has not presented his candidacy — whom he described as "a balanced man" who "has proven himself throughout his term at the head of the military establishment." He added, "When Hezbollah agrees to meet us halfway instead of imposing its candidate on us, we will agree to take part in the dialogue, but only if it agrees to make a gesture proving its goodwill by accepting a third candidate."
Gemayel also denounced the disorganized and incoherent approval of the budget. "The real text of the budget is currently being drafted and will be published in the Official Gazette. We have understood nothing of the text that has reached Parliament, and it lacks the vision to be debated," he lamented, pointing out that there are several exchange rates and no real figures linked to the economic crisis.
In an interview with local TV station LBCI, Samy Gemayel harshly criticized Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati for admitting that the decision on war and peace was not his to take, even though he is the head of the government, and the Free Patriotic Movement for having been complicit in the political overthrow of the pro-Iranian formation. "We are not against Hezbollah as a political partner, but we refuse to be under its authority," he said.
"In my opinion, there is nothing more important today than the international community's support for the Lebanese Army, especially in the current circumstances. I have total confidence in the Lebanese Army, and international support for the military institution is the most powerful weapon against Israel. When the Lebanese Army is deployed on the southern border, the whole world will stand by Lebanon," stressed the MP.
Turning to the Palestinian cause, the Kataeb leader declared that "what is happening in Gaza is intolerable, and we support the legitimate right of the Palestinian people to have a state and to live with dignity. We stand in full solidarity with them. However, it is unacceptable to sacrifice Lebanon's sovereignty and peace for a cause other than that of our country." He added, "Our martyrs fell defending Lebanon against the enemy, and those who confront the Israelis from Lebanon are martyrs. But is Hezbollah ready to recognize the martyrs of the Lebanese resistance?"
Commenting on the latest diplomatic visits, Gemayel said that "neither Lebanon, Hezbollah, Iran, nor Israel have any interest in a full-scale war in Lebanon. This explains the intensification of diplomatic efforts in the region, aimed at preventing regional conflagration and finding a suitable solution for all parties concerned."
Addressing a question about Hezbollah's weapons, the Kataeb chief explained that the pro-Iranian militia "wants to legitimize its weapons through a draft that suits it and a president that is favorable to it, while silencing the voices that oppose it." He continued, "Nevertheless, we are ready to sit down at the same table with Hezbollah and discuss all institutional issues, provided that the Shiite formation agrees to respect the Constitution, the state, and the principle of equality." As Samy Gemayel points out, "Federalism and decentralization are not solutions for those who impose their will and take the country hostage."
When questioned about the presidential elections, the Kataeb leader said he was not opposed to the candidacy of the Army's Commander-in-Chief, General Joseph Aoun — although the latter has not presented his candidacy — whom he described as "a balanced man" who "has proven himself throughout his term at the head of the military establishment." He added, "When Hezbollah agrees to meet us halfway instead of imposing its candidate on us, we will agree to take part in the dialogue, but only if it agrees to make a gesture proving its goodwill by accepting a third candidate."
Gemayel also denounced the disorganized and incoherent approval of the budget. "The real text of the budget is currently being drafted and will be published in the Official Gazette. We have understood nothing of the text that has reached Parliament, and it lacks the vision to be debated," he lamented, pointing out that there are several exchange rates and no real figures linked to the economic crisis.
This Is Beirut
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