16/03/2023

Syriac Maronite Patriarch meets with Lebanese MPs to address obstacles hindering presidential election, emphasizes need for unity and reform

BETH KERKE, Lebanon — On Wednesday, Syriac Maronite Patriarch Mor Bechara Butros al-Rai held a meeting with Lebanese MPs at the patriarchal edifice in Beth Kerke (Bkerke), Lebanon, to discuss the obstacles hindering the election of a new president and how to address them. The Patriarch received Camille Chamoun, the head of the National Liberal Party, MP Fouad Makhzoumi (National Dialogue Party), and former MP Dori Chamoun.

The meeting emphasized that the failure to elect a president will lead to disastrous negative results for the Lebanese people, particularly the Syriac Maronites, who are key players on this issue. Therefore, they called for the Syriac Maronite leaders to unite and find a solution to this crisis.

The MPs stressed the importance of Christian MPs agreeing on potential presidential candidates for the upcoming election session. They highlighted the need to nominate a reformist president who can help save Lebanon and implement the reforms necessary for the country as required by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The MPs shared that they had already initiated some reforms. Two-thirds of the House of Representatives met with the IMF and started a parliamentary economic lobby to bring the views of MPs closer together to achieve the required reforms a year after their approval.

In addition, they discussed the current changes and developments happening in the region, including the recent Chinese-mediated agreement signed between Iran and Saudi Arabia. The MPs expressed concern that some Lebanese parties may try to limit this agreement and use it for their own personal interests.