Camille Chamoun: the Lebanese people reject any new Syrian intervention

BEIRUT – In an exclusive interview with Suroyo TV Lebanon, National Liberal Party Leader Camille Chamoun discussed Lebanon’s internal affairs and the broader Middle East. 

On U.S. Ambassador To Turkey and U.S. Special Envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack’s third visit to Lebanon, do you believe this signals new U.S. maneuvers or a final warning? 

Today, we are focused on shaping Lebanon’s future. We cannot afford to take risks again; we have faced enough dangers in the past. The current situation is critical for the entire region, and a settlement is needed.  

As minorities in Lebanon, we must establish principles of coexistence and cooperation to rebuild the country. 

What message do you think Barrack sudden visit carries?  

I do not have clear details about his visit, but the U.S. is clearly invested in Lebanon, given the ongoing negotiations to find solutions. We should seize these opportunities. We’re all aware of past American statements, especially regarding Syrian interference in Lebanon. The Lebanese people, across all sects, reject any renewed Syrian intervention, as the one during the rule of Bashar and Hafez al-Assad. 

If the “international plan” imposes Syrian intervention in Lebanon, how will the Lebanese people respond? 

This is not an “international plan,” the real goal is to stabilize the region, to bring peace to the Middle East after decades of turmoil. I hope the era of Syrian interference ends so we can focus on rebuilding our homeland.   

There are clear calls for Hezbollah to disarm. Will they comply and hand over weapons to the Lebanese state? 

UN Resolution No. 1701 applies to all armed militias and all illegal weapons in Lebanon, not only those of Hezbollah. There are also security concerns in Palestinian camps, especially after the Cairo Agreement was revoked.  

These arms must be brought under the control of the Lebanese Armed Forces and security forces.  

Regarding Israel’s withdrawal from the five hills it recently occupied and U.S.-Israeli pressure on the region, what changes do you foresee?   

I reject foreign interference, whether Syrian involvement in Lebanon or vice versa. Recent events in Syria’s Suwayda Province prove that no state can tolerate separatist movements. I hope the lawful state can integrate all sects and minorities, preventing divisions like those among Alawites, Kurds, and Christians, especially after the attack on the Mar Elias Church, which has left Christians in Syria feeling unsafe. 

With the resurgence of extremist groups and ISIS cells, are you concerned about assassinations and bombings returning?   

First, we must secure Lebanon’s borders with Israel and Syria. This is most urgent, especially with the influx of Syrian refugees entering Lebanon through unregulated crossings. 

About Hezbollah’s insistence on keeping its weapons, could this escalate into an internal struggle for political gains?   

In Lebanon’s current crisis, there are no winners, only losers. Militarily, Hezbollah is already weakened. 

Why hasn’t there been progress on disarmament despite repeated Israeli aggression attacks?  

Israeli weapons have been used before and could be used again. We must avoid sparking an internal war. Once it starts, we don’t know how it will end. That’s why everyone must be brought to operate under the rule of law.  

Weapons today threaten Lebanon more than they protect it. 

Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri has said there are no clear American guarantees on Resolution No. 1701. Is disarming Hezbollah a risk?   

The risk is on Hezbollah, not on Lebanon. Our priority is Lebanon’s future, not any single party’s interests. We must respect the state and its sovereignty. 

Could this lead to divisions? What steps can be taken on disarmament and implementing international resolutions?   

Billions are promised for Lebanon’s reconstruction, but we are now one of the world’s poorest nations. To attract foreign investment, we must disarm and rebuild under the rule of law. Otherwise, we risk another regional war. 

If Hezbollah refuses to disarm, how can Lebanon protect itself from another war with Israel? 

There’s only one solution: the surrendering of weapons! Otherwise, we will face destruction like before. I have urged Hezbollah and our Shiite brothers: voluntarily handing over your weapons would constitute a patriotic act. It would symbolize a new Lebanon. 

Are you afraid of another war amid this stubbornness?   

As long as Israel feels threatened, war will loom. They will always find excuses to strike. That’s why all minorities must unite under the law. 

Why are there rumors about Tripoli being annexed to Syria or parts of Lebanon to Israel?   

We haven’t heard official threats. Syria has no territorial ambitions, and Israel already controls Lebanon’s water resources, like the Golan. 

Why has the expat voting issue been blown out of proportion?   

It’s an internal distraction from bigger conflicts. We insist on expat voting to apply for all 128 parliamentary seats because half of Lebanon’s population lives abroad, i.e. they felt forced to leave because of the dire situation in the country. 

Today we see Druze leader Walid Jumblatt condemn any action that stirs sectarian strife. Why is religion still used to incite sectarian tension? 

Religion is the easiest tool to stir conflict. Lebanon and the world have suffered a lot from this. It is a sign of backwardness. 

Do you fear this tactic being used in Lebanon?  

Lebanon has been stuck in sectarianism since 1975. However, I believe the Lebanese people are now mature enough to avoid sliding back. Disarmament would be the final step in ending internal strife. 

What geopolitical shifts threaten Lebanon and the region, especially Syria?  

Syria has started implementing Arab decisions, but Lebanon is lagging without justification. We have not taken the necessary steps to resolve crises, leaving many questions unanswered. 

Will parliamentary elections proceed on schedule?   

It depends on circumstances, but we are committed to holding them on time. 

On U.S.-Iran nuclear talks and the destruction of Iran’s nuclear facilities, is this enough to topple the Iranian regime?   

Iran threatens the U.S. and Middle East. It fuels instability. While its nuclear sites were destroyed, regime change is up to the Iranian people. I believe the Iranian people will rise against their government at the first possible opportunity.   

Will Lebanon-Syria cooperation improve on the Syrian refugee dossier?  

We hope the Foreign Ministry maintains dialogue with Syria. Every refugee has the right to return, and funding for reconstruction must be secured. Lebanon has spent nearly $40 billion hosting Syrian refugees, worsening our government budget deficit. 

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