Politicians pay Tribute on 19th anniversary of Pierre Gemayel’s assassination

BEIRUT — On the 19th anniversary of the assassination of Pierre Gemayel, a leading figure of the Kataeb party and former Industry Minister, Lebanese politicians paid tribute to his memory.

President Joseph Aoun called former president Amin Gemayel, father of Pierre, expressing his condolences. "He recalled his national and sovereign stances," most notably the slogan that Pierre used to repeat: "If you love Lebanon, love its production," in reference to his urging of the Lebanese to support local industries, the Presidency said in a post on X.

MP Nadim Gemayel wrote on X: "On the anniversary of my comrade Pierre Gemayel, we remember a fierce fighter who was one of the main pillars of the March 14 Revolution and of the national unity that broke Syrian domination and raised the voice of freedom. Pierre remains a symbol of sovereignty and a free Lebanon, and we will remain faithful to his path and struggle. May God have mercy on Pierre and Samir Shartoni."

MP Fouad Makhzoumi wrote on X: "Nineteen years have passed since the loss of Minister Pierre Gemayel, one of the prominent figures in the struggle for sovereignty and independence. His moral presence remains firmly rooted in the consciousness of this path and will continue to be a source of inspiration for all who believe in a free Lebanon. May his soul rest in mercy and peace."

On the eve of Independence Day, Nov. 21, 2006, Gemayel, a 34-year-old young MP who had become Industry Minister in July of the same year, and his bodyguard were shot and killed by a commando of three armed men while traveling by car in Jdeideh, a northeastern suburb of Beirut.

The murder was part of a series of assassinations targeting figures hostile to the Syrian regime.