Gemayel Says EU Decision on Hizbullah 'Ambiguous,' to Affect Country Negatively
Phalange Party leader Amin Gemayel considered on Saturday that the European Union's decision to blacklist Hizbullah's military wing is “ambiguous,” pointing out that it will have a negative impact on the country.
“The decision confused the Lebanese situation and will constitute negative repercussions on all matter especially the cabinet formation process,” Gemayel said in an interview with Voice of Lebanon radio (100.5).
He pointed out that the decision targets Hizbullah members who are considered “ghosts,” saying: “The members that are responsible for Hizbullah's military action are unknown.”
Gemayel called on Hizbullah to reconsider its policies in Lebanon, which is in everyone's best interest, to avoid stepping into vacuum.
The Christian official held the cabinet responsible for allowing Hizbullah to “go to far” with its behavior that further involved Lebanon in crises it can't handle.
“Hizbullah has no right to monopolize decisions that affect the Lebanese interests,” Gemayel said in the interview.
The Council of the European Union and the European Commission added on Thursday Hizbullah's military wing officially to the EU's list of entities, groups and persons involved in terrorist acts, as agreed at the Foreign Affairs Council on July 22.
Those on the list are targeted with an asset freeze in the EU. In addition, member states have committed to enhanced police and judicial cooperation in related inquiries and proceedings, it announced in a statement.
The decision brings the number of groups and entities subject to these restrictions to 26, while 11 persons remain on the list.
“Hizbullah must act responsibly and not always blame Israel for everything,” Gemayel said.
The official called on political foes to abide by the Baabda declaration in order to end vacuum in public institutions.
He called on the political foes to resume the national dialogue and to commit to it.
In June 2012, a national dialogue session approved the Baabda Declaration that demands that Lebanon disassociate itself from regional conflicts.
Gemayel described the Lebanese state as a “victim,” urging the Lebanese to work together to defend Lebanon.
Concerning the dispute over the extension of Army chief General Jean Qahwaji, Gemayel said the post shouldn't remain vacant.
Media reports said that the rival parties agreed on a draft-law includes the postponement of Qahwaji's retirement for six renewable months.
Qahwaji turns 60 in September, the age of retirement for army commanders.
However, Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun accused on Thursday some officials of seeking to extend the term of the army chief while keeping other top posts in the administration vacant, warning his bloc would challenge the extension.
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