Gemayel Slams Hizbullah for Adhering to Regional Strategy, Says Lebanon Can't Bear Results of its Actions

Phalange leader Amin Gemayel lashed out at Hizbullah on Sunday over its involvement in Syria's civil war and for serving regimes abroad, saying Lebanon cannot bear the consequences of its actions.

During a speech on the anniversary of his party's 77th establishment in BIEL, Gemayel said: “Through its latest stances in Lebanon and Syria, Hizbullah put itself in front of dangers that neither it nor Lebanon can bear the consequences.”

He rejected “taking a unilateral decision in deciding the fate of the Lebanese.”

“We are the party of the martyrs and not the party of arms. Don't get the address wrong,” Gemayel said.

“We are not terrorized by statements,” he said, adding “we don't look for arms but we resist all weapons.”

“It is still possible for the state to rise but statelets are rejected,” he said in reference to Hizbullah.

Referring to the Baabda Declaration, Gemayel said that the country's rival leaders had reached an agreement at the national dialogue table for Hizbullah's arms to be used in support of the Lebanese state as part of a defense strategy led by the army.

Hizbullah's arsenal “should not be in the service of foreign regimes as part of a regional strategy,” he added.

He told his supporters and top officials present at the ceremony that his “party was in favor of Lebanon and worked for partnership with all the Lebanese.

The former president made his speech as the Phalange celebrated the founding of the party and remembered its martyrs, mainly former Industry Minister Pierre Gemayel.

Pierre, who is Amin's son, was shot in broad daylight on November 21, 2006 as he was driving his car in the North Metn town of Jdeideh. His bodyguard was also killed.

“The martyr lives forever and doesn't die,” his brother MP Sami Gemayel said earlier when he took to the podium along with Pierre's two sons.

“The more you try to kill the Phalange,” the more the supporters of the party will expand, the lawmaker said.

A video was broadcast on the young Gemayel's life during the ceremony in BIEL, showing a monument in his memory at the entrance of Nahr al-Kalb tunnel.

In his speech, Amin Gemayel warned that the level of confessionalism is rising in Lebanon's political life.

“This is the real threat that should be resolved before it is too late,” he said.

“We still believe in Lebanon despite desperation … and the paralysis of institutions,” he said. “Our belief in Lebanon is stronger than all challenges.”

The Phalange leader called for partnership among the Lebanese – Christians and Muslims - to resolve its crises and for making initiatives to end the shattered state of the country.

Turning to the presidential elections that should be held next year when Michel Suleiman's term expires in May, Gemayel said: “Lebanon is awaiting a new president who safeguards the free patriotic decision and is aware of the consequences of the regional and international conflicts.”

He called for a head of state who proposes a plan to salvage the nation and who is brave enough to take an independent decision.

On Thursday, the seventh commemoration of Gemayel's assassination was marked by a mass held at the Mar Mikhael Church in the North Metn town of Bikfaya.

“We have overcome a lot of challenges because of him,” said Amin Gemayel as mourners packed the church.

“He is still with us daily,” he said.