Franjieh, Gemayel Agree, Following Reunion, to Turn Page on War
The head of the Marada movement Suleiman Franjieh and Phalange Party leader Amin Gemayel held a reunion Sunday as part of reconciliatory measures to resolve the long-standing dispute between the two sides.
Franjieh and Gemayel agreed following the meeting in Bekfaya to "turn the page on war".
They also reaffirmed their keenness to preserve the presidency.
"We have decided to completely turn the page on the war in all its forms," said a statement issued at the end of the meeting which was followed by a lunch in honor of Franjieh, his wife, and son, Tony.
Kataeb website said discussions focused on strengthening relations between the Phalange party and Marada movement in three areas:
– Affirm Lebanon”s sovereignty, independence and free decision.
– Consolidate Christian presence in Lebanon and the Middle East.
– Work hand-in-hand to prevent Palestinian naturalization, establish a criteria for the foreign ownership process and create a modern civil society.
The two sides also agreed to set up a joint committee to follow up on this relationship and see it to it that it is implemented.
Earlier, Marada member Salim Karam told pan-Arab daily Asharq al-Awsat that Sunday”s visit is "a continuation to reconciliation steps to put an end to icy ties between the two sides."
Contacts between Marada and the Lebanese Forces, however, "remain frozen," he said, despite the speedy progress being achieved with the Phalange party.
Karam said he believed that Bkirki "should sponsor an inter-Christian rapprochement. But unfortunately we find it absent while the Maronite League is undertaking a significant role to in this regard."