NNA - In an interview on Voice of Lebanon radio, Gemayel outlined his vision for Lebanon's future, emphasizing that national unity and stability can only be achieved if Lebanon addresses its structural issues and commits to rebuilding a country rooted in equality, justice, and sovereignty.

He began by addressing Lebanon’s current challenges, particularly the ongoing presence of Hezbollah’s weapons and foreign affiliations, which he argued prevent real dialogue and reconciliation.

“You cannot have weapons and foreign affiliations because they obstruct real dialogue and reconciliation,” Gemayel said, underscoring that these issues must be resolved if Lebanon is to move forward.

He called on President Joseph Aoun to engage directly with Hezbollah to discuss the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, highlighting the head of state's pivotal role in leading such discussions.

Referring to the ceasefire agreement with Israel, which Hezbollah’s ministers unanimously approved, Gemayel pointed out that Prime Minister Mikati’s government, which Gemayel described as essentially a Hezbollah-led government, had endorsed the terms of the deal. The agreement stipulates that Hezbollah’s weapons across Lebanon, whether south or north of the Litani River, be handed over.

“This issue is no longer open for debate,” Gemayel insisted. “No party involved in this agreement can backtrack on it.”

The Kataeb leader drew a sharp contrast between Lebanon’s past and its potential future. Recalling the history of deception and division that has plagued Lebanon for decades, Gemayel emphasized that it is time for reflection and rebuilding. He described Lebanon's past as one of mutual hostility, where one party would dominate the others, creating a cycle of tension and violence.

“We must break down all barriers and give the concept of state-building a genuine chance,” he said. “We need to establish relationships based on cooperation, not fear and hatred, which always lead to conflict.”

Gemayel reiterated that Lebanon’s future must be based on the rule of law, the constitution, and pluralism. He outlined a vision where all Lebanese groups feel secure about their future, which he suggested could be achieved through mechanisms such as decentralization or a Senate.

“Let us strive to adopt a positive stance,” Gemayel urged. “No one can break anyone, and no one will defeat the other.”

Turning to Lebanon's sovereignty, Gemayel called for the Lebanese army to exercise full authority over the entire country.

“No one can claim ownership of any area or use weapons to prevent the army from entering,” he stated. “The army should be able to go wherever it deems necessary. Its role is to be everywhere. If anyone objects, they should bang their head against the wall.”

Discussing his proposal for a “Reconciliation and Dialogue” conference, Gemayel emphasized the opportunity Lebanon now has to chart its own course.

"For the first time in over 35 years, Lebanon is free from external control and has the opportunity to open a new chapter," he declared. "This new chapter cannot be opened under the domination of Syria, Hezbollah, Israeli occupation, or any other external influence. For the first time since 1975, Lebanon can make its own decisions."

He expressed concern that the Lebanese have not yet learned from their past and questioned whether they can build a future together.

“The goal is to address the structural issues that have led to crises, wars, and bloodshed, ensuring that our relationships are no longer based on fear and hatred, as that will only lead to more conflict,” he said. “We need to ask ourselves: can we build a country together? Can we adopt the principles of state sovereignty, partnership, and mutual recognition? And can we keep Lebanon neutral in regional conflicts?”

Gemayel stressed that honesty is crucial in this new phase.

“This is the time for honesty,” he declared. “We either approach this new phase with honesty, comfort, and reassurance, or with fear and confrontation. If we proceed with fear and challenge, things will inevitably explode in our faces within six months or two years.”

He also emphasized that reconciliation must involve accountability.

"In South Africa, there was both reconciliation and accountability, with people being held responsible for their actions. In Lebanon, after the Taif Agreement in 1990, an amnesty was granted, but political assassinations continued because the amnesty did not cover those responsible for political crimes.”

Regarding the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, Gemayel made it clear that the matter of weapons held by non-state actors must be addressed. He noted that international resolutions, the constitution, and the Lebanese people’s consensus have already settled the issue.

“I am not willing to discuss whether weapons should remain or not,” Gemayel clarified. “That issue has been settled by international resolutions, the ceasefire agreement, the constitution, and the consensus of the Lebanese people.”

He called for the integration of Hezbollah’s weapons into the state framework and for discussions on the future of the party’s fighters.

“We must ensure that no sect feels targeted when weapons are handed over,” Gemayel said. “Instead, everyone should be partners in building the future, based on equality.”

Gemayel also addressed Lebanon's political challenges, particularly the exclusion of certain parties from government participation. He expressed respect for the president and prime minister’s decision to exclude party members from the current government but stressed that this should not become a pattern.

“Politics cannot be separated from parties,” he said. “But the problem is that parties in Lebanon have turned into militias, tarnishing the reputation of political parties.”

On reforms, Gemayel acknowledged the slow progress but emphasized the need for patience and realism.

“We’ve waited 25 years, so we shouldn’t expect them to solve all issues in three weeks,” he said. “We are still at the beginning.”

Gemayel concluded with a defense of his colleague Albert Kostanian, dismissing attacks against him as part of a smear campaign.

“Albert Kostanian is one of the most honest and competent individuals in Lebanon,” he asserted. “He has fought for sovereignty and against illegal weapons, and no one can surpass him in this regard.”

Lastly, Gemayel discussed Lebanon’s economic challenges, particularly the issue of large deposits, emphasizing that not all should be written off.

“Some major companies have large deposits that were earned through legitimate means,” he noted. “We need to ensure that we don’t punish those who have worked hard for their wealth.”

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