Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rai on Tuesday renewed his call for Lebanon’s neutrality, drawing more support from an array of leaders, mainly Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdellatif Derian.
Rai told reporters that Lebanon is a civil state, a nation of neutrality, and a country of coexistence and pluralism.
"Lebanon has always been open to all countries, east and west, except for Israel, which occupied our land; therefore, Lebanon was called the Switzerland of the east. Today, Lebanon has become isolated from the whole world, yet this contradicts with our identity which is positive and constructive neutrality, not wars," the Patriarch said.
He added that “neutrality” is an international, European, and Arab demand.
“We demand neutrality through commitment to security, justice, and human rights -- this is the bridge between the East and the West," Rai noted.
The Patriarch received in Diman a delegation from the Lebanese Forces.
Rai also met with Marada Movement leader Suleiman Frangieh.
Following the meeting, Frangieh said he is ready for any national gathering that saves Lebanon and that includes a crystal clear vision to overcome the current stalemate.
He stressed that resolving the economic crisis is a national collective responsibility to be shouldered by everyone so as to restore confidence and bring in investments.
Rai’s stance on neutrality was the subject of discussions at Dar al-Fatwa on Tuesday.
Former Prime Minister Fouad Siniora said after meeting with the Mufti that they have discussed Rai’s stance, which is “an opportunity to launch an inclusive national dialogue aimed at preserving Lebanon.”
Asked whether Arab and European countries have shunned Lebanon, Siniora said, “I think all Lebanese heard from their friends around the world and from our Arab brothers an intention to help Lebanon. However, through its government and President, Lebanon does not seem to help itself.”
