Syriac Maronite Patriarch reiterates his support for popular revolution and international intervention in Lebanon

BEIRUT — During his sermon on Sunday, Syriac Maronite Patriarch Mor Boutros al-Raï said that Lebanese politicians should stop tampering with the feelings of the Lebanese people and work together to solve the many crises facing the country.

The Patriarch condemned the country’s political leaders who were jointly responsible for the destruction of Lebanon and its government, undermining its prosperity, and obliterating its history.

Patriarch al-Raï also stressed that they do not want a central government for Lebanon but a government of and for the people. He called for a conference to be held under the auspices of the United Nations with the aim of saving Lebanon from the regional crises surrounding it, returning Syrian refugees to their country, and finding a solution to the Palestinian refugee problem.

The Patriarch reaffirmed his support for the revolution of the Lebanese people, which he considered a point of hope for a renewed and reformed Lebanon.

The Beirut port explosion has forced new generations of Lebanese to migrate as previous generations who fled the decades long civil war, he said. Society was being hollowed out and weakened, undermining any international efforts to help Lebanon and allowing corrupt leaders to rob what wealth is left in the country, he added.

Patriarch al-Raï ‘s remarks coincide with large numbers of demonstrators cutting off major roads across the country. Roads around the country have also become congested with vehicles in large queues for fuel despite the decision of the Lebanese government to raise the prices of fuel by 66%.