Syriac Maronite Patriarch al-Raï receives several delegations to discuss Lebanon issues

BETH KERKE, Lebanon — On Friday, Syriac Maronite Mor Bechara Boutros al-Raï received French Ambassador to Lebanon Anne Grillo at the patriarchal residence in Beth Kerke (Bkerke).

Grillo offered congratulations to the Patriarch on Christmas and New Year. She wished that the New Year would bring solutions to the Lebanese crisis and stressed France’s permanent support for the Lebanese people.

Patriarch al-Raï stressed the necessity of holding the parliamentary and presidential elections on their constitutionally set dates. Failure to implement the laws and ignoring the judiciary would contribute to Lebanon’s further collapse, he added.

The Patriarch also received Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces General Joseph Aoun. During the meeting, the Patriarch stressed the Lebanese people’s confidence in the military and the dedication of military personnel in defending Lebanon’s sovereignty and freedom.

Al-Raï pointed to the need to support the military, which has faced numerous attempts to destabilize security and stability in the country.

“The qualitative tasks that the military carries out in cooperation with other security agencies to control borders, prevent smuggling, and combat crimes, are important,” al-Raï stated.

The Patriarch also received a delegation from the International Lions Club Association, District 351 — Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine, headed by Governor Aida Kawar.

During the meeting, Kawar spoke about the Association’s activity in Lebanon and its commitment to the Lebanese people. She presented the Patriarch with a sculpture  representing the Holy Family.

Al-Raï also received Financial Prosecutor, Judge Ali Ibrahim, the Secretary General of the Syriac Maronite International Union in the U.S. Tom Harb, the President of the Middle East Peace Institute – Washington Saeed Bilani, and the Institute’s Advisor Khaled Jarrah.