Contacts Ongoing between Kataeb, March 14
Phalange Party leader Amin Gemayel confirmed Friday that contacts were ongoing between Kataeb and the General Secretariat of the March 14 coalition "to discuss the proposed issues."
During the Phalange party”s politburo meeting in Bekfaya, Gemayel said it was "necessary to develop performance methodology, particularly in the wake of the previous experience as well as developments of the electoral and the current political situation, in order to increase our productivity and efficiency."
Gemayel stressed that the Phalange party is a "founding and active member" of the March 14 coalition.
His comments came following a statement made by Kataeb”s second Vice President Salim Sayegh who said the Phalange Party has suspended its participation in the meetings of the 14 March coalition General Secretariat.
Sayegh said the decision will remain in effect until the March 14 alliance has been "reactivated so that it is able to carry out its major duties."
He also stressed the Phalange party”s commitment to the principles of Kataeb, adding that "affiliation with March 14 forces doesn”t tie up its political activity."
While Sayegh denied the visit of two Phalangist delegates to Syria, he said that the Party "has lately received oral messages based on goodwill" from the Syrian end. He added that the circumstances for such a visit "did not mature yet," referring to unresolved issues such as "the Lebanese detainees in Syrian prisons and "the mutual recognition of the two countries” sovereignty."
Following an inquiry call from March 14 General Secretariat”s coordinator Fares Soaid, the former MP quoted Phalange Party leader Amin Gemayel as saying the "issue is being taken care of."