Kataeb party leader Samy Gemayel called on all free-spirited Lebanese who believe in the sovereignty and independence of Lebanon to unite, urging them to put aside personal, partisan, electoral, and power-related issues given the urgent need to consolidate efforts across all sects to save Lebanon.

Following a meeting with former MP Fares Souaid at his office in Bikfaya, Gemayel described the battle to salvage Lebanon as national, saying that it transcends sects and requires unity among all Lebanese who believe in the nation and the State.

The Kataeb leader hailed the shared struggle with Souaid over decades in the battles fought for Lebanon's second independence on March 14, 2005, expressing hope for a third independence after lifting the current guardianship that is bringing calamities to Lebanon.

Gemayel underscored the mutual understanding with Souaid and many political forces and figures on the gravity of the current situation, considering the rescue of Lebanon as a top priority. He also voiced concern over regional developments and the potential for matters to spiral out of control, causing Lebanon and its people, particularly those in the south, to pay the price once again for an adventure that only serves Iran's interests in the region.

Gemayel stated that misleading people into believing that the current crisis is sectarian is exactly what Hezbollah wants as it aims to sow foment among the Lebanese in order to strengthen its position as a dominant force. He affirmed that the unity of the Lebanese people around the concept of sovereignty and the restoration of decision-making power is the only way to establish a balance with Hezbollah and save Lebanon.

Gemayel noted that the two independence battles witnessed in Lebanon’s contemporary history wouldn’t have happened without the unity of the Lebanese, stressing that the same applies to the ongoing struggle for independence which would be achieved by liberating Lebanon’s decision-making power. Once that happens, Gemayel pointed out, the focus should be shifted to boosting political pluralism and addressing other concerns such as political system development, constitutional mechanisms, economic issues, development, and prosperity.

None of these goals can be achieved unless the decision-making power is put back in the hands of the Lebanese people and the State institutions, with equality prevailing under the law and constitution, he concluded.

For his part, Souaid said that Lebanon's perilous position has placed the country at the eye of the storm in the region, praising Gemayel’s great sense of awareness about the seriousness of the situation and that the top priority today is saving Lebanon.

Souaid noted that Hezbollah aims to secure Iran's interests in the region, while those entrusted with safeguarding Lebanon, like MP Gemayel, should determine Lebanese interests, which primarily consist in shielding Lebanon from reckless adventures and removing Iran's grip.

The former lawmaker hoped that with MP Gemayel and other parties from various sects, a broad political consensus could be reached to uphold Lebanon's interests.