Nadim Gemayel: The Fall of Assad's Regime Signals the End of Oppression, Occupation, and Tyranny in Lebanon

Commenting on the fall of the Assad regime and whether justice was served for the assassination of his father, the martyred President Bachir Gemayel, MP Nadim Gemayel stated: "Justice for Bachir was achieved the day the Judicial Council issued its verdict. However, today, I feel that justice has been served for all Lebanese with the collapse of the Baath regime. I believe all the crimes and massacres Lebanon endured were the result of this regime, which inflicted destruction, devastation, and a 20-year civil war upon us."

He added that "the collapse of the Assad and Baath regime is an opportunity for the Lebanese people to recognize that their only guarantee lies in national unity."

Gemayel's remarks came during an interview with LBCI.

Gemayel further noted, "We are observing developments in Syria, but the key takeaway is that there was a fundamental problem between the Lebanese and the Syrian regime. Today, we can say that both nations' people share in the joy of the regime's downfall. True reconciliation lies between the Lebanese and Syrian peoples, fostering exceptional relations between two sovereign states. The notion of 'sister Syria' ends here. It's time to begin a new chapter between two brotherly peoples, free from the grip of an oppressive state."

He continued, "We hope the developments in Syria will benefit its people and not spill over into Lebanon, where we already face the issue of widespread weapons."

Gemayel emphasized two key pillars for Lebanon's recovery: "First, the Lebanese army must secure the borders. Second, national unity must prevail. We face multiple challenges that require sitting at the table without anyone imposing dominance over the other, to build a strong state rising from the rubble."

He added, "We will treat them as equals, not as they treated us, with patriotism and goodwill."

Gemayel expressed his belief that "the parliamentary session on January 9 will likely be postponed because the fall of the Assad regime is bound to shift the balance of power within Lebanon and the region."

He stated, "The next phase will be marked by democracy and peace in the region."

On the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland, Gemayel remarked, "We must wait for developments in Syria. We will take action, and I hope the government will not delay in implementing measures to facilitate the refugees' return."

He added, "Following the fall of the Syrian regime, Habib Shartouni, who assassinated the dream and vision of a state embodied by President Bachir Gemayel, must be brought to justice. This should mark the beginning of a series of trials for the political assassinations that plagued Lebanon."

In an interview on "Sar El Waet" on MTV, Gemayel described this day as "a glorious day for all Lebanese, as so many have suffered at the hands of this regime—many were lost, many were martyred, and many endured injustice under a politicized judiciary. The fall of the Syrian regime brings relief to all Lebanese, signifying that oppression, occupation, and injustices unrelated to the Lebanese people will not be repeated."

He continued, "I did not anticipate this collapse happening so soon, perhaps within a year or two. During our visit to the United States, there was an atmosphere of pressure on the Iranian and Syrian regimes, but I never imagined it would occur within days."

Regarding the detainees in Syrian prisons, Gemayel stated, "The issue does not rest with Parliament or the government, although both bear significant responsibility. We must await developments in Syria, which could take shape within a week. This matter should be closely followed with the next President of the Republic, as it affects all Lebanese—there isn't a family without someone detained in Syria."

He concluded by highlighting the significance of a plaque placed in Sassine Square to commemorate the Syrian occupation's end—a gesture rejected by the state—and noted that Iranian influence in the region is beginning to wane.