Gemayel Urges Hizbullah Pullout from Syria, Does Not Oppose Extending Qahwaji's Term
Phalange Party leader Amin Gemayel urged on Monday Hizbullah to end its fighting in Syria and “return to the Lebanese fold,” while saying that he is not opposed to extending the term of Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji.
He said after the party's weekly politburo meeting: “It would be beneficial to make an exception and extend Qahwaji's term due to the current tensions.”
He also blamed Hizbullah's involvement in the Syrian conflict for the postponement of this week's parliamentary session.
“We condemn Hizbullah's fighting in Syria, which is having a direct impact on Lebanon's internal scene and we therefore demand that it withdraw its fighters,” he added.
Gemayel attributed the severe divisions in Lebanon and the tensions to the party's meddling in the neighboring, asking: “Why should the Lebanese citizen, who is jeopardizing his livelihood, have to suffer the consequences of this division and Hizbullah involvement?”
“We could have been spared this tragic situation had the Baabda Declaration been respected,” he remarked.
“We urge Hizbullah to return to the Lebanese fold for the sake of the country, which will lead to its salvation,” he demanded.
The Phalange Party leader said that all sides must adhere to the Baabda Declaration, including Hizbullah that had approved the agreement, along with other political powers, during a national dialogue session in June 2012.
“Our hand is extended to Hizbullah to end its fighting in Syria. Its actions are damaging Lebanon's foreign interests and constitutional institutions,” he noted.
The party's withdrawal of its fighters from Syria will help facilitate the formation of a new government, ease the tensions in Lebanon, and bridge the gap between its people, Gemayel added.
“We are in contact with several sides in an effort to bridge the divide in Lebanon and among the people,” he revealed.
Speaker Nabih Berri postponed on Monday a three-day parliamentary session over lack of quorum caused by the boycott of several blocs for their doubt on the constitutionality of the session with a resigned government.
The extension of Qahwaji's term was among the articles of its agenda.
Caretaker Premier Najib Miqati and blocs of the March 14 alliance explained that except for the extension, none of the other items on the agenda were urgent to justify holding a session in the absence of a government.
| Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. | https://naharnet.com/stories/en/88936 |