In Lebanon, the Phalange Party expelled former President Amin Gemayel from its ranks on Wednesday after a month of mediation efforts between him and party president Karim Pakradouni failed to yield results.
A statement issued by the party said it would take Gemayel to court for “slander, denigration, defamation and making threats,” adding that an official notice would be sent to the Interior Ministry to prevent Gemayel from holding meetings in the party’s name and using its slogans and symbols, Lebanon’s Daily Star reported.
The decision to oust Gemayel, the son of party founder Pierre Gemayel, was made in a nearly unanimous vote by the party politburo back in May. While mediation attempts by Bkirki and members of the Maronite League had postponed the announcement, they ultimately failed to bridge the rift between the opposing factions.
Even though Gemayel, who is expected back from a trip to Paris on Thursday, could not be reached for comment, his son, Metn MP Pierre Gemayel, refused to discuss the matter. (Albawaba.com)
