Lebanese Kataeb Party leader Samy Gemayel’s call for a national truth and reconciliation conference has sparked political and public engagement, particularly amid Lebanon’s current transitional phase. The initiative, first proposed after the recent war and reiterated during the presidential election session, was raised again during the parliamentary debate on the ministerial statement.

However, according to Patrick Richa, Head of Kataeb’s Media Department, this proposal is not new. Speaking to the Central News Agency, he emphasized that discussions about addressing Lebanon’s past conflicts have surfaced repeatedly, underscoring the need for Lebanese factions to openly express their concerns.

“We see that crises and wars keep recurring in different forms throughout our history. Since 2000, Lebanon has barely experienced a few months of stability before plunging into another governance crisis, armed conflict, or institutional paralysis. The latest chapter is the recent war, which we attribute to the absence of a unified Lebanese stance on supporting Gaza—a division that dragged the country into a devastating conflict,” Richa explained.

He noted that Gemayel’s remarks during the confidence vote resonated widely, particularly following the presidential election and government formation.

“Perhaps this time, the Lebanese people and stakeholders feel that the moment has come to tackle issues at their core rather than merely addressing symptoms,” he said.

Preconditions for the Conference

Addressing the obstacles to holding such a conference, Richa outlined three essential conditions that must be met for it to succeed.

“Without these, the project will neither materialize nor achieve its intended goals,” he asserted.

1. Equality Among Lebanese Citizens
   “A reconciliation conference cannot take place if certain Lebanese enjoy rights that others do not. Equal treatment is a fundamental prerequisite.”

2. The Issue of Arms
   “It is impossible to initiate a dialogue while a contentious and sensitive matter such as weapons and the decision of war and peace remains unresolved. The ongoing threat of violence undermines any meaningful reconciliation effort.”

3. Foreign Allegiances
   “Lebanese factions must sever external loyalties. In the past, allegiances varied—from Abdel Nasser to Yasser Arafat, and today, to Khamenei and Iran. We cannot embark on a foundational national project while this reality persists.”

Richa stressed that both the necessity of the conference and the conditions for its success are equally important.

“We insist that before launching such a dialogue, there must be swift efforts to disarm militias, reassert state authority, and ensure that all Lebanese prioritize national identity over foreign alignments,” he said.

“A foundational dialogue that opens a new chapter for Lebanon cannot begin while these three obstacles remain—while weapons persist, inequality exists, and foreign loyalties continue,” he added.

Kataeb’s Position on Hezbollah

Responding to claims that Gemayel’s proposal might facilitate Hezbollah’s political maneuvering or signal a willingness to accommodate the group, Richa dismissed such interpretations.

“Some have misrepresented his remarks as an attempt to facilitate Hezbollah’s position or offer it a form of endorsement, but there is no leniency on this issue. When we speak of inclusion, we mean engaging all Lebanese communities—not providing Hezbollah a free pass as an armed entity.”

He insisted that Hezbollah must assume responsibility for the crises it has caused.

“Before any further steps, Hezbollah must abandon its arrogance, surrender its weapons, and sever its ties with Iran. Only then can we move forward.”

Steps Toward Implementation

Acknowledging that the road ahead remains long, Richa outlined Kataeb’s upcoming initiatives.

“There are concrete steps that we will pursue. The role of the president, parliament, and cabinet is crucial in this endeavor. Even before the presidential election, Samy Gemayel embarked on domestic and international meetings to rally support for this project. This effort continues to gather as many Lebanese as possible behind it.”

Kataeb is also preparing public and private events in the coming weeks to further discuss the proposal, alongside outreach efforts targeting key stakeholders, including political parties, religious leaders, and influencers.

“Currently, we are finalizing a roadmap and drafting detailed proposals. Once completed, we will engage with all parties through various channels,” he stated.

Public Reaction

According to Richa, the public’s response to Gemayel's proposal has been overwhelmingly positive.

“The widespread support, as seen in articles, analyses, social media comments, and thousands of messages we have received, indicates one thing: Lebanese citizens are eager for a new approach to national life. They reject temporary fixes, political deception, and the silence surrounding past conflicts. They now seek a serious, deep, and honest discussion on the nation’s future, rather than superficial solutions.”