Gemayel: Christians Will Not be Victims of Arab Revolts
Phalange Party leader Amin Gemayel rejected on Thursday that the Christians in the East would be the victims of the revolutions taking place in the Arab world.
He said during a press a conference: “It is time that we protect the Christians through the establishment of a new bill that protects their existence in order that they no longer remain victims.”
He held the conference to address the situation in the Arab world in light of his recent trip to Egypt where he held talks with a number of prominent officials.
Gemayel continued: “The majority of the Arab revolutions have not unified the ranks of their people or established a proper organized system.”
“We support the movement to achieve change in the region and we want it to be a success,” he added.
Furthermore, he warned that dictatorial systems could take advantage of the current disorganization of the post-revolt reality in the countries that have toppled the old regimes.
“Lebanon’s role does not involve selling weapons to countries witnessing revolts, but its experience in establishing a democratic system should be used,” the Phalange Party chief stressed.
“We are therefore suggesting that a new bill that paves the way for a new Arab system be devised,” Gemayel stated.
The historic developments in the Arab world grant the Arab League a new role in interfering in the revolts to put an end to the violence and guarantee reform and the peaceful transition of power, he noted.
The revolts should abide by certain principles to assure the people that they are keen on reaching democracy and freedom, he continued.
On this note, he said that he had proposed to Arab League chief Nabil al-Arabi, during his Egypt trip, that a meeting of Arab academics be held in order for them to reach an agreement on these principles.
He also praised Arabi’s recent suggestion that Egypt’s al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayyeb call for a Muslim-Christian meeting.
“Such an initiative will bolster the Arab League’s role and grant the revolutions credibility in their societies and the international community,” Gemayel stressed.
“That way the future of the Arab world will be made by Arabs themselves and not foreign meddling,” he concluded.
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