Gemayel Lauds Miqati's 'Brave Decision', Urges National Dialogue

Phalange Party leader Amin Gemayel on Saturday described Prime Minister Najib Miqati's resignation as “a correct and brave decision,” stressing the need to resume national dialogue sessions.

“We are going through a very difficult period. Either we enter a tunnel that is darker and more difficult than the previous, or we benefit from Miqati's initiative to fulfill the people's wish by forming a salvation government,” Gemayel said in an interview on Radio Voice of Lebanon (100.5).

“We are in dire need for such a government, given that the situations are explosive and tense and that the regional situation might impact Lebanon,” Gemayel added, calling on all political leaders to “shoulder the responsibility of rescuing the country, as should the ship sink, no one will be safe.”

Gemayel stressed that he is confident President Michel Suleiman “is aware of the critical situation and will take all the necessary measures, within his constitutional authority, to restore communication among leaders, as there is a need to revive the (national) dialogue committee, which was suspended after the assassination of martyr Maj. Gen. Wissam al-Hasan.”

“There is a possibility to form a salvation government that he (Suleiman) can propose during his talks with the leaders and we can launch a new phase that secures the return of stability to the country, accelerating consensus over an electoral law, and holding elections on time,” Gemayel noted.

Asked about a possible delay in holding the binding parliamentary consultations to name a new PM, Gemayel said: “It is normal to give the president some time to hold the consultations, and to give leaders and the heads of the main blocs time to discuss the best solution, because Miqati surprised everyone with this decision and it is normal for leaders to hold consultations and maybe name a premier who enjoys the support of all blocs.”

On the candidate the Phalange Party will name, Gemayel said: “The naming of a new premier depends on the meeting of Phalange's political bureau, which will discuss the issue, and we will consult with our allies in March 14, and we don't mind expanding consultations to include the majority of blocs, as a salvation government requires a consensual premier.”