Kataeb leader Samy Gemayel expressed his openness to any initiative that could revive discussions on the Lebanese presidency.
However, he emphasized that such initiatives must “not place the presidency in the hands of those who are using blockades, threats, and manipulation to enforce their will, subjecting Lebanon to the obstructionist axis or the will of Hezbollah.”
Gemayel conveyed these sentiments following his meeting in Bikfaya with the Egyptian Ambassador to Lebanon, Alaa Moussa. He reiterated his support for “any positive, balanced, and fair initiative aimed at reinstating the role of institutions and bolstering democracy.”
Gemayel emphasized the urgency of promptly electing a president of the Republic, especially given that some parties “don’t want Lebanon to have a president at this time,” subtly alluding to Hezbollah.
He also said that Moussa had presented “valuable input” during their discussion, which could “contribute to protecting Lebanon and pulling it out of its current presidential deadlock.”
Moussa, in turn, expressed optimism about the meeting’s outcomes regarding the presidential election. The Egyptian ambassador, whose country is among the five-nation group, or Quintet, which is trying to help Lebanon break the presidential deadlock, noted that the discussions also encompassed “the regional situation and its impact on Lebanon.”
Moussa concluded the meeting by emphasizing the necessity of regular talks, stating, “Such discussions must continue, as it is through dialogue alone that consensus and agreements are reached.” He confirmed the Quintet Committee’s approach, which involved bilateral meetings with local parties, to advance the presidential file in Lebanon.
