Kataeb Leader MP Samy Gemayel, submitted a written request to the Prime Minister and the Lebanese government, calling for the rectification of Lebanese-Syrian relations and placing them within their proper framework.

Gemayel shared the contents of the letter with the Lebanese public, expressing hope that all suggestions would be duly considered.

Speaking from the Kataeb headquarters in Bikfaya, he said: “We have endured 30 years of Syrian occupation, including 15 years marked by various violations against the Lebanese people and state. This was preceded by 15 years of Syrian tutelage over Lebanon, from 1976 to 1990, a period characterized by destruction, killings, and direct abuses, followed by another 15 years of continued tutelage and violations after the Lebanese Civil War.”

He called for restoring equal relations between Lebanon and Syria, contingent on the fall of the Assad regime, the formation of a new government, and other developments in Syria, such as elections.

Gemayel emphasized the urgent need for the Lebanese state and government to take immediate measure

The Kataeb Leader outlined the necessary measures to rectify Lebanese-Syrian relations and place them within their proper framework. These include:

1. Taking all necessary legal and diplomatic measures to uncover the truth and determine the fate of the forcibly disappeared Lebanese detainees in Syrian prisons, whose number exceeds 622 individuals.

2. Providing fair compensation to Lebanese detainees who were imprisoned in Syria and to the families of martyrs who perished under torture, similar to the compensation granted to those released from Israeli prisons.

3. Dissolving the Lebanese-Syrian Higher Council, its General Secretariat, and the Coordination and Follow-up Committee.

4. Restricting diplomatic relations between the two countries to the official embassies, in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, and prohibiting the establishment of any parallel channels outside constitutional and diplomatic frameworks.

5. Abolishing the Treaty of Brotherhood, Cooperation, and Coordination as well as the Defense and Security Agreement between the two nations.

6. Dissolving all committees and bodies established under the treaty and related agreements, particularly the Foreign Affairs Committee, the Defense and Security Committee, and the Economic and Social Affairs Committee, as they contravene the Lebanese Constitution, violate the principles of sovereignty and independence, and infringe upon international law.

7. Instructing security agencies to investigate and apprehend Habib Shartouni, who was convicted in the assassination of President-elect Bashir Gemayel, and ensuring the enforcement of the court ruling against him.

8. Reopening investigations into the assassinations of Cedar Revolution leaders and the Beirut Port explosion, pursuing justice in light of newly revealed Syrian documents connected to these cases.

9. Initiating legal proceedings against former Syrian regime officials who have sought refuge in Lebanon, holding them accountable for their violations against the Lebanese people, and preventing Lebanon from becoming a safe haven for perpetrators of crimes against humanity.

10. Removing all symbols and monuments of Hafez al-Assad and his family from Lebanese territories, and renaming streets and squares bearing their names or the name “Syria” with national Lebanese names.

11. Declaring April 26 as an official national holiday, commemorating the liberation of Lebanese territory from Syrian occupation in 2005.

12. Demarcating the land and maritime borders between Lebanon and Syria, to be undertaken immediately after the election of a Lebanese president and the restoration of institutional stability in Syria.

Gemayel stated: “Relations between sovereign states must be built exclusively on the foundation of shared interests and mutual respect. Our bitter experience with the Assad regime has taught us that any future relationship with Syria must be based on clear and unwavering principles: respect for the sovereignty and full independence of both nations, prohibition of any interference in internal affairs under any pretext, equal and reciprocal treatment in rights and obligations, restricting cooperation to areas that serve the interests of both countries in accordance with international norms and customs, and ensuring transparency and clarity in agreements and treaties.”

He continued: “Protecting Lebanon’s sovereignty, independence, and the dignity of its people is a historic and national responsibility. Therefore, we urge your esteemed government to prioritize this issue and take immediate measures to rectify Lebanese-Syrian relations in a manner that safeguards the rights of Lebanon and its people.”

In response to a question, Gemayel emphasized the importance of maintaining relations with Syria, expressing hope that the Syrian people will be able to establish a rule-of-law state and a democratic, open society that guarantees the rights of the Syrian people, free from extremism and any restrictions on human rights.

He noted that the Syrian people now have the right to determine their own destiny.

He added, "We hope that on our borders, there will be a state that recognizes Lebanon's sovereignty and independence and fosters balanced relations, so we can close a painful chapter and open a new one on the right foundations."

In reply to another question, he stated: "Clear statements have already been made by the Syrian opposition, calling for the return of those displaced abroad. As a result, the status of refugees no longer applies, and there is no obstacle to the Syrians returning to their homeland. There does not impede for the Lebanese state to enforce its laws seriously."