Nadim Gemayel Stresses Need to Build a State Free of Weapons and Militias

Kataeb Lawmaker Nadim Gemayel affirmed that "Lebanon is currently at a stage where its future is being shaped, and thus, we must meet the aspirations of our youth. This requires courage and a commitment to fully state the truth without compromise, along with transparency and clarity in our stances."

"It is time to say that we do not want to implement UNSC Resolutions 1559 or 1701; rather, we want Lebanon without weapons. We seek the implementation of the Taif Agreement and the Constitution, and we wish to return to the embrace of the Lebanese State. We do not desire more than this, but we will not accept anything less," Gemayel noted.

Gemayel's remarks came during a political meeting held at the Kataeb Office in Achrafieh, which was attended by several mayors, members of the Kataeb Political Bureau, Professor Charles Ghostine, and a delegation from various economic bodies and entities.

The Kataeb Lawmaker emphasized that the current phase Lebanon is experiencing necessitates caution, attention, and vigilance.

He added, "We communicate daily with all departments and regions in Beirut, as well as all security agencies, to monitor developments in the area. So far, security is under control in this region, but we ask everyone to be cautious and attentive—however, there is no need for fear. Not every displaced person is a member of Hezbollah or a target for Israel. Nevertheless, we must remain vigilant. The cooperation with the security agencies is excellent; they respond well despite material difficulties. On the other hand, we have a hotline that accommodates as many calls as possible, and there are committees in the neighborhoods that monitor all developments."

"Any solution that does not involve Hezbollah handing over its illegal weapons will lead us back to the same experience, as we would not have addressed the problem at its roots," he indicated.

"The Lebanese State is the only entity capable of ensuring equality among all Lebanese citizens because we cannot build a state without true leadership and without neutrality to be independent of the axes of conflict," Gemayel pointed out.

The Kataeb Lawmaker said that Lebanon stands at a crossroads today, pointing out that Hezbollah's illegal weapons and the resistance axis have failed to protect Lebanon, the Lebanese people, or the Shiite community.

"We want Lebanon to be free within its regional and Arab environment. We desire a thriving economy that attracts foreign investments to Lebanon, which requires a decision, courage, faith, and support," he affirmed.

"What we have done for the past 80 years has been in the interest of Lebanon, and every time we were right. All the lies and hypocrisy today aim to undermine the state and the Lebanese people," he added.

"We have proven throughout history that we were in the right place and that we acted in favor of Christians and every free Lebanese who wants to live in Lebanon. If we do not return to the right axis, there will be no salvation for Lebanon, and we cannot rebuild a strong state. We urge all our Shiite brothers and all Lebanese to trust that we can all build a state that protects the gains, interests, and rights of every Lebanese equally. Neither the Iranian, nor the Syrian, nor any foreign allegiance has been able to provide protection. Therefore, what is required is to build a state without weapons and militias," Gemayel stated.

He stressed that there was no choice but to achieve the victory of the Lebanon project.

In response to a question, the Kataeb Lawmaker confirmed that the Beirut Municipality is responsible for preparing the shelter center in Karantina to accommodate the largest number of displaced persons, pointing out that the issue of displaced persons is a concern for all of Lebanon.

He emphasized the need to provide adequate centers for their accommodation and assured that as soon as the ceasefire is in place.

"We will ensure that every displaced person returns to their home and village," he asserted.

In response to a question, he stressed that the inclusion of fighters and militants into the Lebanese Army is unacceptable.

"Handing over their weapons is one thing while integrating them into the Lebanese state is another. It is time for the Shiite community to embrace the Taif Agreement and disarm; we will accept nothing less than that," Gemayel affirmed.

Regarding the security incidents in certain areas of Achrafieh, he stated, "We demand a greater presence and more deployment of the Lebanese Army in some regions. We thank them for their responsiveness and pursuit of accountability. At the same time, our youth are fulfilling their duties, and we must remain vigilant."

When asked about the presidential elections, the Kataeb lawmaker emphasized that electing a president during this time would mean reverting to six years of complacency, regression, and surrender, which would harm the Christian community.

"It is essential to change the country's direction so that the president can restore Lebanon's rightful place," he said.

"What is happening today in the south is not coincidental or a result of a storm. For years, we have been saying that Hezbollah's illegal weapons pose a danger to Lebanon, the Lebanese State, and our future and economy. We must not forget that this weapon has also been used domestically, and today we demand liberation from this weapon and its handover to the Lebanese State," Gemayel concluded.