i am pleased to know that our president on the way to the top job, its time that gemayel family had the chance ti show the world what kind of people they can be.

i am pleased to know that our president on the way to the top job, its time that gemayel family had the chance ti show the world what kind of people they can be. good our best, your are the roots of our cedar

I live in Brazil and my great grandfather who arrived here in the early 1900s was Mr. Gemayel's cousin.
I would like to know more about him, if possible have the chance to contact him.

I live in Brazil and my great grandfather who arrived here in the early 1900s was Mr. Gemayel's cousin.
I would like to know more about him, if possible have the chance to contact him.

I live in Brazil and my great grandfather who arrived here in the early 1900s was Mr. Gemayel's cousin.
I would like to know more about him, if possible have the chance to contact him.

I believe that President Amin Gemayel have a great chance to become the next Secretary General. Why? All one has to do is reflect over his achievements to be convinced that he is highly qualified for such a position. He is an attorney at law; a member of the Lebanese parliament from 1970 to 1982; the President of Lebanon from 1982-1988 during the most complicated period in Lebanon’s history and during one of the most heated eras of the Cold War and the Arab-Israeli conflict. President Gemayel was a visiting professor of international relations in Harvard and Maryland Universities, and a lecturer of many other highly recognized international institutions following the end of his terms in Office. Moreover, the mediation role that President Gemayel played prior to the latest US/British invasion to Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom), where he mediated between the US, Europe, the Vatican, Russia, Jordan, and Iraq, indicates that the President has strong diplomatic competence, and enjoys the trust and friendship of many foreign leaders and personalities. This highly critical and complicated role that was assigned to President Gemayel by world leaders is usually entrusted to leaders currently in office, or to personalities involved in international institutions. Instead, it was given to President Gemayel which supports the theory that he is most likely to be elected to an international position such as Secretary General.

The position of secretariat general of the UN is one of power with the ability to influence many factors affecting the world. Hence, it is in each countries interest to elect one who would reflect or help achieve their individual interests. Accordingly, it is in the interest of many nation states to vote for President Gemayel. For example, President Gemayel is a close ally of the Bush Administration who is in desperate need of an ally in the UN to rescue its failing diplomacy and to save its deteriorating relationship with its allies. Moreover, President Bush needs a helping hand in his war on terrorism. Therefore, it is most likely that the US and its supporters will vote for President Gemayel. The Europeans also view Gemayel as a very close and trustworthy friend of Europe. His election to head the Secretariat General will help the European Union (EU) leaders who are eager to reconcile relations with the US, as well as regain some influence and credibility in international matters. After the last war on Iraq, the EU role has been marginalized by the US worldwide, especially in the Middle East peace process. France and Germany are in desperate need to overturn the downbeat economic consequences suffered due to their opposition of the latest US/British successful invasion of Iraq. The two countries lost oil contracts signed with the Baath regime, as well as the export of goods and materials to Iraq. Therefore, the EU will most probably vote for Gemayel whose influence could help salvaging its relationship with the US. Furthermore, the Arabs are anxious to have a voice in the international arena, especially inside the UN. They are in great need for a moderate persona to counter-balance the heavy Israeli presence and influence in the UN. They, too, would view the victory of Gemayel as beneficial since most Arab leaders have established personal relationship with the former Lebanese President while in office. Furthermore, his victory would be viewed by Arabs as a victory of Lebanon, which is a founding member of the Arab league. Therefore, they will logically vote for Gemayel/Lebanon. The Vatican will also find an interest in supporting President Gemayel since Pope John II believes that Lebanon, due to its unique Christian-Muslim experience of co-existence, is not a country but a “mission” from which the entire world should learn and benefit. President Gemayel’s political record is that of a solid advocate of the Lebanese experience and a defender of its unique “mission.” Therefore, the Vatican is expected to use its influence in the Catholic world to back Gemayel, whom the Pope has met on several occasions. In addition, President Gemayel was one of the first leaders of the free world to visit China, during which he established friendly relationships with its leaders. Gemayel also enjoys good relationship with Russia’s leaders. Therefore, these two permanent members of the Security Council, which are from the Asian bloc, are more likely to vote for “friendly” President Gemayel.

Ironically, the only problem that President Gemayel may face comes from within his own country, Lebanon. The Lebanese government, which for some illogical reasons fears President Gemayel, may not support his candidacy. However, observing the recent transformation that has been occurring in the Middle East, it is highly unlikely that such kind of irrational leadership will still be around in 2006.

The US, Europe, and the Arabs will all find a victory in Gemayel’s election. However, most victorious will be those advocates of peace, democracy, and harmonious co-existence among world communities. The only objection to Gemayel’s nomination is expected to arise from nations that sponsor terrorism, breach international laws, and/or are in violation of UN resolutions. Thus, for the sake of peace, democracy, and freedom, let’s hope that President Amine Gemayel is nominated and elected to be the Secretary General of the United Nations.

Pierre A. Maroun