Al-Rahi Warns against War, Hopes for Neutral Cabinet

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi warned on Sunday that political conflict leads to war, saying there should be a neutral cabinet that comes up with a new electoral law.

“Our salvation comes from political thought and not from political conflicts that lead to war,” al-Rahi said in his sermon at St. Maroun monastery in Annaya.

The mass held on the occasion of St. Charbel Day was attended by President Michel Suleiman, first Lady Wafaa and several officials, including Caretaker Interior Minister Marwan Charbel and MP Butros Harb.

Al-Rahi hoped for the formation of a neutral cabinet of well-known Lebanese personalities that is not biased and which would be capable of coming up with a modern elections law that best represents the people and that holds MPs accountable.

“The situation in Lebanon is no longer bearable,” he said.

“There is neither a respect for the Constitution nor for sovereignty,” he said. “The borders are being violated by arms smuggling, and sects and parties are being armed at the expense of the state, the people and the institutions.”

Al-Rahi slammed politicians for interfering in public administration and administrative appointments. “That's why there should be legislation that differentiates between the ministry and parliament.”

He reiterated that the March 8 and 14 alliances were paralyzing constitutional institutions.

Al-Rahi described Suleiman as the symbol of the nation's unity, saying he is the authority for everyone.

“This should also apply to the speaker and to the prime minister,” he said.