Al-Rahi Calls on Parties to Engage in Dialogue to Confront Current Challenges

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi urged on Tuesday Lebanese rival parties to resume the national dialogue to overcome the crises in the country.

“The Lebanese people are waiting for politicians to resolve their disputes and gather around the dialogue table to confront the current challenges locally, regionally and internationally,” al-Rahi said during the Christmas mass that was held at Bkirki.

He called on politicians to courageously attend all-party talks as they shouldn't “fear the sacrifices that they will offer by attending dialogue, for nations are molded on sacrifices by those who want to serve the public.”

The next dialogue session is set for January 7.

The March 14 opposition has boycotted all government and parliamentary activity linked to the elections, however, it made concessions by announcing earlier this month that it would end its boycott of the parliamentary subcommittee to discuss an electoral law ahead of the 2013 polls.

Lebanon plunged in a political crisis in October after the opposition blamed the government for the assassination of Internal Security Forces Intelligence Branch chief Wissam al-Hasan.

The opposition demands the resignation of the government as a condition to ending its boycott and the formation of a national salvation cabinet.

The Christmas mass was attended by President Michel Suleiman, first lady Wafaa Suleiman and other officials.