In an interview with "Al-Anba"newspaper, Lebanese Kataeb Party leader MP Samy Gemayel expressed skepticism over Lebanese parties failing to reach a consensus on one or more presidential candidates before the upcoming session on January 9, designated for electing the President of the Republic.

He noted that a lack of agreement in an open session with consecutive rounds of voting could, in his view, expose parliamentary blocs to "the risk of a surprise that upends the balance of power entirely."

Gemayel suggested that a potential presidential surprise "would pressure all parties to agree on one or more candidates before the session to ensure a satisfactory outcome."

He advocated for electing a president "in accordance with democratic principles, independent of any prior agreement among Lebanese parties."

He emphasized that "the obstacle to implementing true democracy lies in the other side's refusal to uphold proper democratic practices. This refusal underscores the necessity of reaching a consensus before January 9 and highlights the importance of approaching the session with utmost responsibility and seriousness."

Gemayel dismissed the possibility of "smuggling a president through" during the January 9 session, citing the political balance among parliamentary forces, which prevents any party from bypassing others to elect a president outside a consensus.

He stressed that agreement among all parties is essential to resolving the presidential deadlock and vacancy.

Addressing the opposition’s struggle to reach consensus on a single candidate, Gemayel remarked, "We still have enough time to decide and nominate our candidate. For now, we remain in a phase of discussions and consultations, examining the merits of various candidates. We will not take a stance on any candidate until these deliberations are complete. It is worth noting that we have a circle of allies, including Army Commander General Joseph Aoun, with whom we share common national principles. We have no objection to any of them ascending to the presidency."

He added, "We seek a president committed to the ceasefire agreement and to ensuring that only the Lebanese Army retains weapons. We want a leader capable of uniting the Lebanese people and rebuilding trust among them. Hezbollah and its allies must understand that the Lebanese people will no longer tolerate subjugation or being treated as second-class citizens. However, this is not about seeking revenge or isolating anyone from the political equation. Our vision is inclusive, but within the framework of the state, under the constitution, and through proper institutional practices."

Responding to the stance of Hezbollah’s "Loyalty to the Resistance" bloc, which reaffirmed the "Army-People-Resistance" equation, Gemayel asserted, "This signifies that the ceasefire will not hold and that Hezbollah remains intent on destroying what remains of the state's foundations. It also means there will be no president elected on January 9 or any other date. The era of lawlessness is over, and we will accept only the Lebanese Army as the sole bearer of arms."

On the evolving situation in Syria and its potential repercussions on Lebanon, Gemayel remarked, "We, as Lebanese, must build internal immunity to shield ourselves from the fallout of developments in Syria. We have consistently supported peoples' right to self-determination while rejecting interference in the affairs of other states, irrespective of Lebanon's relations with them or vice versa."

Gemayel also emphasized the need for equal relations between Lebanon and Syria, calling for the dissolution of the Lebanese-Syrian Higher Council and its affiliated bodies.

He advocated for limiting diplomatic ties between the two countries to their respective embassies, in line with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

He further proposed terminating the Treaty of Brotherhood, Cooperation, and Coordination, as well as the Defense and Security Agreement, and halting all related agreements, protocols, programs, and contracts.

In conclusion, Gemayel affirmed, "Lebanon is on a path to recovery," asserting that "the barriers and restrictions that once hindered state-building, subjected Lebanon to tutelage, and isolated it from its Arab surroundings and the international community have fallen and will not rise again."