Gemayel Says Party Not Compelled by March 14 General-Secretariat Street Action Remarks

Phalange Party leader Amin Gemayel on Sunday wondered “whether Prime Minister Najib Miqati will be able to reconcile between what he’s been saying regarding keenness on (Lebanon’s) international relations … and the objectives of Hizbullah, which had designated him” as premier.

In an interview on Al-Jadeed television, Gemayel added: “We have no problem with PM Miqati or with the ministers, but the government was formed for certain purposes: preserving (Hizbullah’s) weapons and abolishing the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.”

Gemayel stressed that his party wants an “objective opposition” in the face of the newly-formed government.

Responding to a question, Gemayel said that the Phalange Party is “not compelled by the statements of the March 14 general-secretariat that have threatened street action,” noting that his party has no representatives in the general-secretariat.

Asked about his recent meeting with former premier Saad Hariri in France, Gemayel said: “I would’ve preferred if we were all present in (Lebanon) because everyone is in danger and I understood that Hariri will return soon.”

He also called for a “clear clause on the STL in the ministerial Policy Statement,” voicing concerns over any “vague wording.”

Asked whether he was informed of the release date of the STL indictment during his trip to France, Gemayel said: “There are hints that the indictment will be released soon.”