Al-Rahi Urges Politicians to Put Aside Personal Interests

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi called on Sunday on politicians to set aside personal interests, urging them to fend off crises.

“We demand political leaders and Christian figures to put aside their personal interests,” al-Rahi said in his sermon during Sunday's mass from Bkirki.

He reiterated calls on Christian politicians to swiftly elect a new president and end the vacuum at the Baabda Palace in a manner that would preserve the “dignity” of the nation and people.

Al-Rahi said that he will travel to the U.S. on Monday the patriarchs of the Orient to attend a conference in Washington.

However, he didn't confirm or deny media reports saying that he will hold talks with U.S. President Barack Obama on the sidelines of the conference.

The conference, which will be held on September 9,10 and 11, aims at discussing the situation in the Middle East and the conditions of Christians.

An organization called “In Defense of Christians” will be hosting the summit.

“Our role as Christians requires us to pray for the takfiris to repentance," al-Rahi said.

Lebanon has been without a president since the term of Michel Suleiman ended in May.

Disputes between the rival March 8 and 14 camps over a consensual candidate have thwarted the election of a president.

The majority of March 8 parliamentary blocs have boycotted the elections sessions over the dispute.