Source: Kataeb.org
Thursday 7 December 2023 18:45:25
Kataeb Leader Samy Gemayel, continued his visit to the United States, where he held an extensive meeting at the U.S. Department of State with Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf.
During the meeting, Gemayel emphasized the necessity of protecting Lebanon from the repercussions of the ongoing war in the region.
He stressed the importance of implementing international resolutions, especially UNSC Resolutions 1559 and 1701.
Gemayel highlighted the need to prevent any settlement that could take place between conflicting parties at the expense of Lebanon.
He pointed out that Hezbollah is hindering presidential elections, holding Lebanon hostage to its own interests and implementing Iran's regional agenda.
The Kataeb Leader expressed gratitude for the support provided by the United States to the Lebanese army, which is solely responsible for protecting the security of Lebanon and its people.
He warned against the danger of destabilizing the military institution or allowing its leadership to be emptied.
He affirmed that postponing the retirement of the army commander, General Joseph Aoun, is the only constitutional solution available in the absence of a president for the republic.
For her part, Leaf affirmed that the United States is exerting its full efforts to spare Lebanon the fires of the region.
She also stated that the U.S. is leveraging its capabilities to assist Lebanon in overcoming crises, ensuring its stability, and safeguarding its security.
Gemayel also had a meeting with Congresswoman Ashley Hinson, attended by Head of Kataeb Foreign Affairs Deparment Marwan Abdallah, Kataeb Representative in Washington D.C. Zahi Abi Younes and the executive director of the American Lebanese Policy Institute (ALPI -PAC) Joseph Hajj.
The Kataeb Leader explained to Hinson Kataeb party's perspective on the Lebanese cause in light of current developments.
For her part, Hinson expressed complete readiness to cooperate and provide necessary support in all legitimate issues raised by Gemayel.
Upon the invitation of National Endowment for Democracy (NED), Gemayel delivered a lecture explaining the situation in Lebanon, the opposition's work, and the efforts made to confront the coup attempt led by Hezbollah.
He emphasized the necessity of unity and resilience to face the difficult phase that Lebanon is experiencing in various economic, social, and vital aspects, in addition to the security and military challenges.