Gemayel: Sunday’s rally is part of Arab transition towards democracy

Former Lebanese president and current Phalange party leader Amin Gemayel urged the Lebanese to attend the Sunday rally calling it an opportunity to exit the big prison:

“Our rally on Sunday is part of the major Arab transition towards democracy, that’s why it is an opportunity for everyone to exit the big prison and let no one think that they can impede Lebanon’s progress through weapons.”

During an interview with MTV on Friday Gemayel said “The rally will stress the Lebanese people’s right to self-determination, in line with the recent events in some Arab countries, where people have decided their own future.” In reference to Tunisia, Egypt and Libya

Commenting on the non-state weapons (Hezbollah’s) he said;

“We are raising the issue of weapons because we want to preserve the existence of the Lebanese entity, and we hope all Lebanese would realize the meaning of the (March 13) rally, which will represent a broad Lebanese demand for a free, sovereign and independent country.”

Gemayel said March 14 is trying to”clearly state its stance on the topics of truth and sovereignty, not for vengeance but in order to spare Lebanon further tragedies.”

March 14 marks the 6th anniversary of the Cedar revolution when over 1 million Lebanese gathered in down Beirut to protest against the murder of the the late PM Rafik Hariri and called on Syrian troops to leave Lebanon. The Syrian troops withdrew in April 2005, but the Syrian regime retained its influence through Hezbollah and its March 8 allies

The March 14 coalition is holding the rally on Sunday March 13 “to reaffirm its commitment to the principles of the Cedar Revolution” , according to a Future Movement statement

Hariri vowed last week to fight the use of non-state weapons “peacefully and democratically.”