Source: Kataeb.org
Thursday 7 August 2025 10:00:30
Kataeb Party leader Samy Gemayel met with Australian Ambassador to Lebanon Andrew Barnes, with talks focusing on Lebanon’s political trajectory, regional developments, and the importance of preserving state sovereignty and strengthening the political rights of Lebanese expatriates.
During the talks, Gemayel hailed the Lebanese government's recent move to centralize control of all arms under the authority of the state, describing it as a critical first step toward restoring national sovereignty.
“What matters now is execution, not just rhetoric," he said.
Gemayel noted that for 15 years, Lebanon’s sovereignty has been compromised by the presence of non-State weapons, and that the current phase must mark a turning point toward reclaiming State authority.
On electoral reforms, Gemayel and Ambassador Barnes agreed on the need to ensure full voting rights for Lebanese expatriates in the next parliamentary elections.
“It’s essential that expatriates be allowed to vote for all 128 members of parliament, just as residents do,” Gemayel said, emphasizing the principle of equal political representation.
The discussion also touched on the pivotal role the Lebanese-Australian community continues to play in supporting Lebanon through its various crises.
“We deeply value the continued support of the Lebanese community in Australia,” Gemayel said. “They have stood by Lebanon in difficult times, and it’s crucial that we maintain and deepen the strong ties between our two countries.”
The meeting, held at Gemayel's office in Bikfaya, was also attended by Political Bureau member Ghassan Abou Jaoudeh, Head of the Kataeb Foreign Affairs Department Marwan Abdallah, and department member Anthony Bou Abboud. Ambassador Barnes was joined by Deputy Ambassador Alice Kilsby and Second Secretary Ben Craig.