Gemayel Hails Dialogue between Christians to End Divisions, Rift
Kataeb MP Sami Gemayel expressed hope on Tuesday that the dialogue between the Lebanese Forces and the Free Patriotic Movement would end the rift and divisions between Christians, praising the security operation that led to the full control of the Internal Security Forces on Roumieh prison.
“The dialogue between Christians would have a positive impact on several political crises including the presidential deadlock,” Gemayel said after talks with U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon David Hale.
He revealed that the Kataeb party exerted efforts to bridge the gap between Christians during his tour on Christian leaders in October.
“Any agreement between Christians strengthens moderation in Lebanon,” Gemayel told reporters.
On Saturday, Change and Reform lawmaker Ibrahim Kanaan held a three-hour meeting with Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea at his residence in Maarab in the presence of LF official Melhem Riachi.
The visit comes in light of preparatory tripartite talks held in Rabieh between Riachi, FPM chief MP Michel Aoun and MP Kanaan.
The rivalry between Aoun and Geagea has left the Baabda Palace vacant. Lebanon has been without a head of state since President Michel Suleiman's six-year term ended in May.
The MPs of the Change and Reform bloc of Aoun - also a candidate - and the majority of the lawmakers in the Hizbullah-led March 8 alliance have boycotted the electoral sessions, causing a lack of quorum.
Gemayel also lauded the security operation that was carried out by the interior ministry on Monday to control block B at Roumieh prison, which was known as a virtual no-go zone for security forces, where prisoners have access to laptops, phones and money.
He considered the ministry's move as a “good start that should be completed by the establishment of a new prison, which provides inmates with all their rights according to international standards.”
Security forces took full control of Roumieh prison's block B after storming the overcrowded facility and seizing illegal items from Islamist prisoners.
Source: Agence France Presse
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