Kataeb Party Leader MP Samy Gemayel deemed the fall of the Syrian regime and the departure of Damascus’ tyrant a significant chapter of Lebanon’s resistance history. 

In an interview with MTV, Gemayel said: “Today, alongside my fellow Kataeb members, I will visit the tombs of our martyrs, led by President Bachir Gemayel and my brother Pierre Gemayel.”

He added, “The price was steep. Since morning, we’ve been reflecting on pivotal moments, our feelings, and the sacrifices of the youth who carried the resistance. Among them was our comrade Massoud Achkar, who stood by Bachir during the Hundred Days’ War, along with many others who fought heroic battles.”

Gemayel continued, “I recall scenes of bravery. At the age of 10, I was exiled to France. I still remember the image of disoriented Lebanese Army soldiers, broken and defeated. That wound remains deep—I saw my army shattered.”

“I also recall painful milestones, culminating in the assassination of Pierre. I remember the agony of his children and wife, my personal grief, and the heartbreak of that day. It’s a day we reflect on not with our minds, but with our hearts, remembering the martyrs of March 14 and all the living martyrs," he went on saying.

Gemayel stressed the profound impact of the Assad regime’s era on Lebanon, saying, “It will take time to fully grasp that this regime is no longer in power. It left deep scars, and many Lebanese remain unaware of the extent of our suffering under its oppression. I hope the truth becomes clearer with time.”

Regarding fears about post-Assad Syria and its implications for Lebanon, he noted, “The challenges in Syria are immense. They are only at the beginning of their journey, and it’s up to the Syrian people to rebuild their nation and learn from their suffering to avoid repeating similar experiences.”

He added, “What concerns me most is fortifying the Lebanese arena against repeating past mistakes. Now more than ever, reconciliation and transparency are essential to safeguarding our country. A large segment of the population doesn’t know the extent of the oppression inflicted on the Lebanese by this regime. Recently, we’ve uncovered the suffering endured by the people of Tripoli.”

Gemayel underscored that true reconciliation requires disarmament, stating, “No one can bring weapons to the table. Hezbollah must hand over its arms so we can sit as equals, address our concerns, and work toward building a Lebanon that is free of the Syrian regime and devoid of illegitimate arms—be it Hezbollah’s weapons or those in Palestinian camps. We must also secure the release of Lebanese detainees in Syrian prisons.”

He emphasized, “We need to confront our wounds and address them to build a stable and resilient nation with genuine democracy and strong institutions. We must look ahead, envisioning a Lebanon that thrives for the next century, one that draws its youth back home. If grievances persist and we fail to express our fears, we will remain trapped in mutual distrust, jeopardizing our future.”

Gemayel concluded, “It’s time for reconciliation and transparency, even if it takes time. We must build on solid foundations, not hastily move on and perpetuate old divisions by electing any figure as president or prime minister and returning to a cycle of quota-sharing. We must end past flaws and embrace a new vision for a Lebanon better than the one our ancestors and parents lived in.”