Reactions to Gemayel”s Call for Correcting and Developing Taef Agreement
Figures invited to attend Sunday”s Phalange Party celebrations and the second anniversary for the assassination of Industry Minister Pierre Gemayel commented on statements made by Phalange leader Amin Gemayel in which he said," what”s the use of looking into a defense strategy that will not lead to a radical solution." He added," We want a defense strategy to defend our country while others want a defense strategy only to defend their arms."
"All Lebanese are agreed that the current central form of government has failed ;we believe that confronting the developing winds of division in the country lie in developing our system by adopting positive neutrality." Gemayel said.
He posed a question," What is better; living under un-united and un-Lebanese republics; or under a united republic?" He went on to point," Since the Taef agreement, some have been practicing federalism on the ground in a separatist manner while others are thinking about this with silencers"
Saudi Ambassador Abdul Aziz Khoja commented to the daily as-Safir saying," We attended this celebration for the memory of the assassination of Pierre Gemayel; he was a young and dear friend; his loss touched us, anything outside this humanitarian framework we are not involved in any political statements in this occasion or at any other. The Kingdom is a friend to all Lebanese on equal distance with all."
As-Safir quoted Administrative Development Minister Ibrahim Shamseddine who represented President Michel Suleiman at the event saying," It is an interesting address, it needs careful reading and some reconnaissance prior to giving a final opinion."
State Minister Khaled Qabani told as-Safir," I don”t believe the address is calling for adopting federalism; it focuses on unity in Lebanon; it rejects divisions. "He went on to illustrate," If Gemayel wanted federalism he would have called for it directly. It is clear that the essence of his words do not contribute to that."
State Minister Nassim Lahoud told as-Safir," Gemayel”s address was sensitive; it requires delicate reading prior to judging it."