Rai Criticizes Marginalization of Lebanese Components in Govt. Formation Process

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rai delivers his Sunday sermon. (NNA)
Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rai delivers his Sunday sermon. (NNA)
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Rai Criticizes Marginalization of Lebanese Components in Govt. Formation Process

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rai delivers his Sunday sermon. (NNA)
Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rai delivers his Sunday sermon. (NNA)

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rai criticized the government formation process in Lebanon, saying: “It is absolutely unacceptable for a team to control the government, decide on its lineup and choose its portfolios… while the others are marginalized as though they were surplus.”

Speaking during Sunday mass, Rai underlined the need for a government of experts, who would be tasked with finding a solution to the current economic and financial crises.

“We were waiting, with the hungry, afflicted and wounded people for a government of competence to address fateful challenges. But we hear about quota sharing, instead of a government that adopts comprehensive rotation of ministerial portfolios without exceptions, on the basis of competence,” he stated.

The patriarch also touched on the Beirut Port explosion, criticizing the delay in the investigations.

“We are awaiting a forensic investigation that includes the successive concerned ministers, in addition to administrative officials and employees,” he remarked.

Rai continued: “We and the people want justice that exposes corruption and the corrupt. But we want comprehensive, not selective justice… Therefore, we demand that the investigation include all relevant institutions… from Banque du Liban to the ministries of finance, energy, public works, interior, communications, environment and others; and from the Council for Development and Reconstruction to the regional councils and boards, up to various entities that received and squandered money.”



UN Calls for 'Immediate Deescalation' in Libyan Capital

Man waving the Libyan flag - File Photo/AFP
Man waving the Libyan flag - File Photo/AFP
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UN Calls for 'Immediate Deescalation' in Libyan Capital

Man waving the Libyan flag - File Photo/AFP
Man waving the Libyan flag - File Photo/AFP

The UN mission in Libya called for "immediate deescalation", citing reports of armed forces being mobilized in the capital and its surroundings that have raised fears of renewed violence.

In mid-May, there were clashes in Tripoli between forces loyal to the government and powerful armed groups wanting to dismantle it.

In a statement published late on Wednesday on X, the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said there were "increased reports of continued military build-up in and around Tripoli", AFP reported.

It said it "strongly urges all parties to refrain from using force, particularly in densely populated areas, and to avoid any actions or political rhetoric that could trigger escalation or lead to renewed clashes".

It called for all parties to "engage in good faith" in deescalation and for the "swift implementation of security arrangements" set out during efforts to end the May violence.

Those clashes left six people dead, the United Nations said.

"Forces recently deployed in Tripoli must withdraw without delay," UNSMIL said.

Libya has been gripped by conflict since the 2011 overthrow and killing of longtime ruler Moamer Kadhafi in a NATO-backed uprising.

The country remains split between Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dbeibah's UN-recognized government based in Tripoli and a rival administration based in the east.

In a TV interview on Monday, Dbeibah called for armed groups to vacate the areas under their control.

Among the sites held by armed factions are the Mitiga airport in the east of the capital, which is controlled by the powerful Radaa Force.

"Dialogue -- not violence -- remains the only viable path toward achieving lasting peace, stability in Tripoli and across Libya", the UNSMIL statement said.