Lebanese Kataeb Party leader Samy Gemayel on Monday met with the new Italian Ambassador to Lebanon, Fabrizio Marcelli, with talks featuring high on the latest developments in Lebanon and the region, notably the ongoing escalation on Lebanon’s southern border and the potential risk of the situation spiraling into a full-scale war that the country cannot afford.

Gemayel reiterated the Kataeb’s firm stance on the need to separate the events in Gaza from Lebanon and to steer the country clear of regional conflicts.

He stressed the importance of helping Lebanon break free from Hezbollah's dominance, reclaim its decision-making power, and reinstate its institutions. He also emphasized the need to elect a president who has the trust of all Lebanese factions, is capable of uniting the nation and setting it on a path to recovery while re-establishing relations with friendly countries.

Gemayel expressed his appreciation for Italy's contribution to the United Nations peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon, underscoring the necessity for the Lebanese army and legitimate forces to take charge of security and border control, and to respond to any aggression based on relevant international resolutions, particularly UNSC Resolutions 1559 and 1701.

The meeting, held at Gemayel’s office in Bikfaya, was attended by the Kataeb leader's Advisor Abdallah Nassar and the Head of the Foreign Affairs Department Marwan Abdallah.