Syriac Maronite Patriarch al-Rai receives Lebanese MPs and offers condolences to earthquake victims in Syria and Turkey

BETH KERKE, Lebanon — The Syriac Maronite Patriarch Mor Bechara Butros al-Rai received a delegation from the Strong Republic parliamentary bloc headed by MP Sethrida Geagea at the patriarchal edifice in Beth Kerke (Bkerke), Lebanon.

The delegation discussed the most significant events in Lebanon and the challenges faced by the Lebanese people. They also addressed the urgency of conducting the presidential elections in Lebanon. The delegation emphasized the importance of supporting a sovereign and reformist president and called on independent MPs to follow-up the Beirut port explosion dossier and presidential elections.

The delegation noted that they were the first to endorse the Taif Agreement and have a duty to protect Beth Kerke. They confirmed Michel Moawad as their candidate and emphasized that everyone must follow the mechanism set by the Patriarch for the meeting.

Patriarch al-Rai also received Bassam al-Mawlawi, the Minister of the Interior in the caretaker government, who updated the Patriarch on the preparations for the municipal elections and voter lists for the upcoming elections. The Minister informed the Patriarch that the election date will be determined on 1 April.

Additionally, Patriarch al-Rai met with Tony Kahwaji, the Director of Lebanese Army Intelligence, who was accompanied by Tony Moawad, the head of the Mount Lebanon Intelligence Office. Al-Rai praised the military’s efforts in maintaining security despite the adverse circumstances.

The Patriarch also offered condolences to the victims of the earthquake that hit Turkey, Syria, and other regions. He called on the international community to provide maximum support and solidarity to mitigate the earthquake’s repercussions.