13 September 2011
BEIRUT: Hezbollah’s arms are no longer arms of resistance that could be used to liberate occupied Lebanese territories, former President Amin Gemayel said Monday, adding that the weapons have become sectarian arms that belong to the party.
“Such sectarian and partisan arms threaten the country’s stability,” Gemayel told a news conference at the Phalange (Kataeb) Party headquarters in Beirut on the occasion of the 29th annual party conference.
Gemayel also said that the 75-year-old party, which was founded by his father, Pierre Gemayel, has always stood on the side of Lebanon’s freedom and democracy. “The Kataeb Party cannot but also stand with other people’s struggle for freedom and democracy,” said Gemayel, in reference to ongoing wave of pro-democracy demonstrations in Syria.
Reiterating that his party would support demands for freedom and democracy in the Arab world, Gemayel’s remarks seemed to be in response to recent statements made by Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai.
But Gemayel refused to comment directly on Rai’s statements and told reporters that he would personally hold a meeting with the Patriarch and discuss the controversial issues that have arisen following his statements.
In his visit to France last week, Rai warned of the negative repercussions that could result from the ongoing popular uprising in Syria against President Bashar Assad, saying that radical Muslim groups, similar to the Muslim Brotherhood, would pose a threat to Christians in Syria if the regime falls.
In a message to the international community, Rai told a news conference in Paris to give Assad the opportunity to carry out political reforms.
In the wide-ranging news conference, Gemayel also called on the Arab League to adopt a well-defined program that would help in the transition of the Arab states that are working toward a democratic political system.
“Such an organizational program by the Arab League should emphasize ensuring democracy, respect for pluralism and human rights in the post-revolutions Arab world,” Gemayel added.
Gemayel also urged the government of Prime Minister Najib Mikati to adopt a clear unified stance on the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.
“We have confidence in Mikati … but there should be a consensus in the government over matters related to the STL,” said Gemayel.
Separately, Gemayel said the killers of his late brother former President Bachir Gemayel’s have been identified. “The Syrian regime’s fingerprints [on the assassination] are evident.”
Copyright The Daily Star 2011.
