Syriac Maronite Patriarch al-Raï receives delegation from American Task Force on Lebanon

BETH KERKE, Lebanon — On Sunday, Syriac Maronite Patriarch Mor Bechara Boutros al-Raï received a delegation from the American Task Force on Lebanon headed by Ambassador Edward M. Gabriel at the patriarchal headquarters in Beth Kerke (Bkerke).

They discussed the general situation in Lebanon, focusing on the deteriorating economic situation which affects the living conditions of the Lebanese people. The upcoming parliamentary elections and the necessity of holding them on time were also touched on.

They also talked about supporting the Lebanese cause, including the Patriarch’s proposal of an international conference for Lebanon and Lebanon’s neutrality.

Patriarch al-Raï has advocated for Lebanon to adopt a policy of ”Active Neutrality” since August 2020. In a memorandum penned by the Patriarch, he calls for Lebanon to extract itself from regional and international conflicts and, given the ethnic and religious diversity of its population, act as a mediator in the region.

Also discussed was the necessity of implementing international law, resolving the issue of the displaced Syrians, and implementing the Taif Agreement.