“It is a sad day for the Kataeb party as ‘Uncle Joseph’ was the living memory of the party whose presence was extremely important for the country,” Gemayel said in an interview with Voice of Lebanon radio station.

“Recently, it felt like his aspirations for the country were being accomplished since his rhetoric always conveyed that the Kataeb is a project for Lebanon and all the Lebanese to build a country of Muslims and Christians alike,” he added.

“I used to take his words and vision into consideration in several fields and his influence on all comrades”

“I have lost someone with whom I shared the same stances on so many things, alike holding fast to our constants, never making a compromise on them and always being loyal to the Lebanese people,” he stressed.

The Kataeb chief expressed how bereaved he is with Abou Khalil’s passing away but that he is proud with the party for proving to be the house for all the free people who are struggling for Lebanon’s sake.

“Lebanon has lost a truly exceptional individual who was committed since birth to fight for Lebanon. He had spent his 94 years living and working for the country,” he pointed out.

“He was a person with beaming kindness, love and smiles.”