Gemayel: Christians are not scapegoats

The Head of the Kataeb party Amin Gemayel called for devising a legislative framework that would lay the foundation for a new Arab system, adding that Christians in Lebanon and the Middle-East are not scapegoats.

“Lebanese Christians should be protected by a new legislation that promotes equality between them and any other citizen”, Gemayel said during a press conference that addressed the results of his visit to Egypt.

Gemayel added that he urged Secretary General of the Arab League Nabil el-Araby to hold a closed seminar for academics that will result in a legislative framework granting credibility to the Arab revolutions.

“The Lebanese should contribute to Arab revolutions by sharing Lebanon’s experience and serving as a model for democracy instead of sending weapons to some Arab countries”, Gemayel said. Gemayel stressed that Christians in the Middle East are against isolation and seclusion and endorse peaceful coexistence.

“Christians should not pay the price of the conflict between the West and the East, between moderation and extremism”, Gemayel said.

Speaking on the Syrian developments, Gemayel said: “The revolution is purely a national one, encompassing all members of the social fabric; therefore it is only natural for Christians to take part in it.”  

Gemayel said that he does not want to meddle in Syrian affairs, adding that he will wait for the outcomes of the opposition’s unified stance and the Arab League‘s efforts.

 The Kataeb party chief said that one cannot count on dictatorship to protect certain communities, adding that the constitution and laws are the only protectors.