Netanyahu”s Speech Requires “Work Plan” against Settlement Ambitions
Lebanon must take "practical" steps to address a policy speech by the Israeli prime minister in which he "abolished" the right of return for Palestinian refugees, Phalange party leader Amin Gemayel said Monday.
Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday an eventual Palestinian state would have to recognize Israel as a homeland of the Jewish people — essentially saying some 4.6 million Palestinian refugees must give up the goal of returning to their homeland.
"(We) must hold serious discussions into the subject during national dialogue (sessions). Lebanon must take a stand by forming a work plan and by holding meetings on the Arab and international levels before it is too late," Gemayel told a press conference.
Gemayel said Netanyahu”s pre-conditions for a Palestinian state "completely abolish the right of return and contradict Security Council Resolution 194 and other Lebanese and Arab decrees."
Gemayel criticized Netanyahu for singling out Lebanon”s domestic situation in the speech and voiced concern over his attempts to create "chaos and kindle internal conflicts."
"This is why we must realize that only the enemy stands to benefit from internal conflicts which will also bolster," plans to settle Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, he said.
"We must prevent Israel from using any pretext to harm the national interest," the former Lebanese president added.
On parliament presidency, Gemayel said that "rotation of power is an essential element" of Lebanon”s system of governance.
"Speaker Nabih Berri has occupied the post since the 1990″s. I believe there are (many others) with capabilities in the assembly and they must be granted an opportunity to handle responsibilities," he said.
"This is my point of view and that of the Phalange. I hope our allies would appreciate this position. A final stand will be reached through deliberations with them," he added.
Gemayel considered MP Saad Hariri”s nomination for prime minister as "only natural since he heads the largest parliamentary bloc."