Gemayel Extends his Hand and Hopes Aoun Will Return to March 14 Principles
Phalange party leader Amin Gemayel said Wednesday that his hand was extended to all, hoped FPM leader Gen. Michel Aoun will return to his principles and revealed that his party was in continuous contact with the Tashnag.
"I wish Aoun would return to being Aoun. We previously fought the battle of independence and sovereignty together and achieved great results. We hope that we go back to the standards that brought us together in March 14," Gemayel said during a press conference.
He said it was time for the Christians to regain their political role, following years of marginalization.
"The representation of the Phalange is a guarantee for the Christians” participation in state affairs," the former president stressed.
"We are in continuous contact with the Tashnag and several meetings were lately held between Phalange and Tashnag officials," he said.
Gemayel also said his "hand was extended to all" although "wounds are deep."
He urged the March 14 forces to make electoral alliances based on "partnership and democracy."
"There is a sovereign party that wants positive neutrality for Lebanon and another party that links the nation to regional axes," the Phalange leader told reporters.
Gemayel also announced that he would meet with MP Michel Murr to agree on how to cooperate.
"We are a force that has a presence and supporters in the Metn," he announced.
The Phalange party leader also defended the seat of the Maronite Church.
"Bkirki should not be criticized because the Cedar Revolution came as a result of the Maronite Bishops” statement in 2000," Gemayel said.
On Israel, Gemayel said: "Lebanon has the right to hold indirect negotiations with Israel to solve the issue of the Shebaa Farms."