Syriac Maronite Patriarch Al-Raï puts forward proposals for Lebanon stability

BETH KERKE, Lebanon — In an interview at the Patriarchal Edifice in Beth Kerke (Bkerke), Syriac Maronite Patriarch Mor Béchara Boutros al-Raï stated that they will form a follow-up committee to follow up the displaced people affairs and raise its decisions to a displaced people spiritual summit.

The Patriarch stressed the permanent work for the Lebanese people unity and receiving all the displaced people.

Regarding the ceasefire and negotiations, the Patriarch pointed out that there are diplomatic negotiations in wars, but negotiations for Lebanon are still absent.

“Negotiations can took place with the assumption of office of the U.S. President-elect Donald Trump who promised during his election campaign that the Middle East would enjoy peace,” Al-Raï added.

In terms of Christians absence from the ongoing negotiations, Al-Raï declared that this issue has not been fixed since the vacancy of Lebanon Presidency, blaming the House of Representatives for not electing a president.

The Patriarch reiterated that it is not permissible to change the Army Commander General Joseph Aoun, amid such circumstances, calling for unity of the Army.

“Lebanon is for all, and there is no distinction between Lebanese citizens or denominations,” the Patriarch added.

Al-Raï called for a national conference to discuss the implementation of the Taif Agreement in letter and spirit, implementation of international resolutions and declaration of Lebanon’s neutrality.