Gemayel Meets Salam, Hopes for Clarifications on Policy Statement

Phalange Party chief Amin Gemayel hoped on Monday that the government will respect its slogan of achieving Lebanon's national interests.

He said after holding talks with Prime Minister Tammam Salam: “We hope to receive clarifications over the policy statement.”

“We hope to reach positives in order to reassure the Lebanese people,” he added after the party had expressed reservations over the policy statement that was drafted on Friday.

Gemayel revealed that he will soon hold talks on the statement with President Michel Suleiman.

For his part, Salam praised Gemayel for his positions, saying that he understands his insecurities.

“The policy statement of the government of national interest stresses Lebanon's sovereignty,” he added.

“The statement highlighted the unity of the state in that it is the sole authority in Lebanon tasked with handling public affairs,” he explained.

“The Lebanese people are looking forward to having their problems tackled and for normalcy to return to constitutional institutions,” remarked the premier.

It is therefore necessary for cabinet to receive parliament's vote of confidence in order to allow the new government to begin addressing national affairs, said Salam.

On Saturday, the Phalange Party warned that its ministers in the government will resign before a parliamentary vote of confidence if the policy statement wasn't amended.

Parliament is scheduled to discuss the statement on Wednesday and Thursday ahead of subjecting the cabinet to a vote of confidence.