Diaspora Syriac Maronite bishops urge electoral reform and citizenship extension in meeting with Lebanese Foreign Minister Rejji

BEIRUT — Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Youssef Rejji received a delegation of Syriac Maronite bishops from various diaspora countries this week. The delegation included Bishop Edgar Madi from Brazil, Bishop Antoine Tarabay from Australia, Bishop Yuhanna Shamiya from Argentina, and Bishop Simon Faddoul from Central and West Africa.

They were accompanied by a group of expatriates from Brazil and Australia, along with Rose Shweiri, President of the Maronite Foundation for the Diaspora, and Vice President Hiam Boustani. Discussions focused on the concerns and rights of Lebanese communities abroad.

During the meeting, the bishops conveyed the Lebanese diaspora’s strong demand for the full repeal of Article 112 of the current electoral law, emphasizing their right to vote in their original electoral districts. Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Bishop Tarabay voiced alarm over what he described as a deliberate attempt to deprive Lebanese expatriates of their nationwide voting rights.

The delegation also highlighted the importance of the Lebanese citizenship restoration law, which is set to expire in November, and urged an extension to ensure more descendants of Lebanese origin can reclaim their citizenship.

Minister Rejji commended the vital role diaspora bishops play in preserving the connection between Lebanese expatriates and their homeland, helping maintain cultural roots and offering crucial support to Lebanon.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the bishops expressed their gratitude to Minister Rejji and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants for their efforts in strengthening ties between Lebanon and its global diaspora, and for safeguarding the interests of Lebanese citizens abroad.