Gemayel Plays Down Nasrallah's 'Unacceptable Threat'
Phalange leader Amin Gemayel downplayed Hizbullah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah's latest threats, saying the Lebanese have no choice but to resolve their political problems peacefully.
“The threat of any political party to its partners in the nation is rejected and unacceptable,” Gemayel told the Kuwaiti al-Seyassah newspaper published on Monday.
“There is always the probability to meet again. Everyone should understand that no one can abolish the other in Lebanon,” he said.
“All those who have thought of abolishing others have paid a high price,” Gemayel told the daily. “We have no choice but to recognize each other or else we will all be doomed.”
The former president was optimistic that Lebanon's political crisis would be resolved.
“Despite the escalatory stances, we can't say that doors are closed or that there are no longer any solutions,” he said.
“The Lebanese people have no choice but to keep the lines open and always seek to resolve problems and not complicate them,” Gemayel said.
“The alternative is war and destruction,” he warned.
Nasrallah warned on Friday against the formation of a fait accompli cabinet and said the March 14 alliance had recently adopted a “very dangerous rhetoric” amounting to “a declaration of war” against his party.
He was referring to a rally that was organized by al-Mustaqbal movement in the northern city of Tripoli during which March 14 officials lashed out at Hizbullah.
Gemayel reiterated that the alliance holds onto its principles of defending Lebanon's sovereignty, independence and institutions.
“The Lebanese entity is under threat and not just the presidential elections,” he said.
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