Gemayel from Istanbul: There is no strife and we must not pour oil on fire

Kataeb leader Amine Gemayel announced on Saturday that at this stage, the country’s religious leaders are its “safety net” and are not involved in the local political game that is full of contradictions, disputes and tensions. Gemayel said that Mufti of the Lebanese Republic Sheikh Mohammad Rashid Qabbani is playing a key and positive role by helping all parties.       

He called on all religious leaders to preserve national unity and coexistence and to stress the importance of dialogue between all parties.      

On fears over a possible strife in Lebanon, Gemayel said, following his meeting with Mufti Qabbani in Istanbul “we must not pour oil on fire and frighten the people; as Lebanese, we went through difficult times and overcame many obstacles; this concern is unjustifiable. We should be cautious and spare no effort to protect this country”.      

For his part, Mufti Qabbani said that Lebanese citizens and their political leaders must live consensually, especially amid the status quo, to avoid strife.