Gemayel: “What is left of the state?”

 

Former President Amin Gemayel called on the Lebanese to participate in the “mass popular gathering” Thursday to make it a day of referendum “for Lebanon, for life and for every human being in this country.”

 

Addressing a news conference at Phalange Party headquarters in Saifi, Gemayel said that former Premier Rafik Hariri”s assassination launched the portests that got the Syrian Army out of Lebanon.

 

“He restored hope and confidence to all the Lebanese,” Gemayel said of the slain premier. “All of us, all the Lebanese, ought to make of this national gathering a real referendum for Lebanon,” he added. “Let it be a national occasion to declare with one voice “no to terrorism.””

 

Gemayel said three elements make a nation: its people, its territory and its political authority. He said the land is lawless and dotted with “security squares” where the state and its security forces are barred entry, adding that this situation poses “the greatest challenge to the state and its authority.”
 

“All of which leads us to ask, “what is left of the state after all these breaches and challenges? What is left of the Lebanese state and its identity after the political authority is sidelined and the decision to go to war or make peace is taken out of its hands?”” Gemayel said, in reference to the 2006 war with Israel which March 14 Forces believe was provoked by Hizbullah”s actions.

 

Gemayel said the March 14 Forces were in favor of peace, calling for unity and a return to the “bosom of the state, which embraces everyone.”

 

“Our culture is one of peace and life affirming, this is our slogan, around which we hope all the Lebanese gather,” he said.