Lebanon’s Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi called on Sunday for reconciliation among the Lebanese people, based on their shared belonging to one homeland and the principle of equality for all.
“The Lebanese community rejoiced that the government of Nawaf Salam received 95 votes, reflecting the confidence of both the Lebanese people and international community, in addition to their trust in President General Joseph Aoun,” the Patriarch said during his homily at the Sunday mass.
He added, “They now have the duty to capitalize on this trust through reforms, reconstruction, economic progress, the restoration of public institutions, the establishment of the state and its institutions, and reconciliation among the Lebanese based on belonging to one homeland and equality for all”.
He said that Lebanon must become the final homeland for all its children as stated in the Constitution.
Rahi then affirmed that, “Neutrality does not mean leaving the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, or the United Nations, but rather modifying and activating Lebanon’s role in all these institutions and others, making it a partner in seeking solutions instead of continuing to be a victim of disputes and conflicts.”
For his part, Grand Jaafari Mufti Sheikh Ahmad Kabalan, said “There is no neutrality when it comes to national interests. There is an international and regional reality, and we are not on Mars.”
Speaking on the second day of the Holy month of Ramadan, Kabalan noted that, “The government needs to affirm that Lebanon is a chief entity, and that reform is required on a national scale and not at the sectarian and political levels.”
He added that the international and regional communities are not a charity, and therefore, “We must remain sovereign in our national decisions, protect Lebanese interests, safeguard the military institution, and affirm its role.”
He added that Arab countries should build ties with Lebanon based on protecting their common interests, away from international agendas.
