BEIRUT: Kataeb leader ex-President Amin Gemayel called Tuesday for combined Arab and international efforts to bring about a change toward freedom and democracy in war-ravaged Syria.

He also warned that the continuation of the bloody conflict in Syria, which has entered its third year, would heighten fears of the spread of extremism.

Gemayel, currently on a visit to Kuwait, spoke to reporters after meeting Kuwaiti Parliament Speaker Ali Fahd al-Rashed, with whom he discussed the situation in Lebanon, including the divisive issue of a new electoral law, and the repercussions of the Syrian crisis on Lebanon. “What is happening in Syria is heartbreaking.

The Syrian regime must realize that it’s time for it to leave and pave the way for reconciliation in Syria based on democracy, freedom and real peace,” said Gemayel, who was accompanied by his son, Metn MP Sami Gemayel.

“If the crisis in Syria persists and spins out of control, this will enhance fears of the spread of extremism which will not serve anyone,” he added in his statement carried by the state-run National News Agency.

Gemayel met Monday with Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, who restated his country’s support for Lebanon’s stability.