Al-Rahi Hopes Officials Would Return to National Dialogue: God Protect Akkar from Evildoers

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi stressed on Monday the importance of supporting state institutions through the rise of the civil state, lauding the residents of northern region of Akkar for their loyalty to their country.

He said during a visit to the region: “God protect Akkar from evildoer plans to carry out attacks in the region.”

The patriarch kicked off on Monday a four-day pastoral visit to Akkar and the city of Tripoli.

He said from his first stop at the town of al-Aabdeh where a reception was held in his honor: “We hope and demand that those, whom President Michel Suleiman invited to the national dialogue, would heed his call.”

The March 14 camp had announced its boycott of the all-party talks after they failed to address Hizbullah's possession of arms, among other issues.

Addressing the affairs of Akkar, he said: “The residents of the area have the right to proper infrastructure, administrative services, and educations."

“We demand that the state grant the residents of Akkar with their rights,” he said.

“Akkar is a symbol of Lebanon’s commitment to its institutions and loyalty to the army,” he stressed.

Addressing the residents of the region, al-Rahi declared that the church is prepared to support “this area that has massive potential.”

“Officials and residents must cooperate in order to meet the demands of Akkar,” he stressed.

“It may be the most impoverished region in Lebanon, but it has also demonstrated its hospitality by harboring Syrian refugees,” noted the patriarch.

In addition, he remarked that Akkar has also suffered from various Syrian violations of the border, stressing the need to have the border areas protected.

A number of officials and MPs, including Hadi Hbeish, Khaled al-Daher, and Khaled Zahraman, were present at the Aabdeh festival.

Hbeish stressed during a speech: “Lebanon is more than a country, but a message of diversity.”

“Your insistence to visit the region despite the security dangers is a sign of your love for Akkar,” he noted.

For his part, Daher said: “Some sides want to create strife between Muslims and Christians, but our religions teach us to protect each other and remain united for Lebanon above all else.”

“Protecting Lebanon’s diversity is a national duty and this is where the constitution’s role comes into play,” he added.

“As Muslims, we are committed to the role of Christians in Lebanon and the region. The rise of Lebanon cannot take place without democracy, diversity, and national unity,” he continued.

“Your visit to Akkar is a slap in the face to those seeking to create division in Lebanon,” said Daher in reference to media reports that detained former minister Michel Samaha was planning on carrying out attacks against political and religious figures, including al-Rahi.

Also present at the festival was Akkar Mufti Sheikh Osama al-Rifai who said that “the patriarch's visit stresses the importance of mutual coexistence among the Lebanese people.”

Samaha was arrested on Thursday following information that he was planning various attacks in Lebanon.

The Military Tribunal charged on Saturday Samaha and Syrian security Chief Maj. Gen. Ali Mamlouk with forming a group to commit crimes in Lebanon.