Rahi Hails Hariri's Roadmap, Calls on Politicians to Abide by it
Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi lauded on Thursday the roadmap established by al-Mustaqbal leader Saad Hariri, calling on parties to abide by it.
Al-Rahi described in remarks published in al-Mustaqbal newspaper Hariri's initiative as “excellent,” pointing out that it “should be implemented.”
“His (Hariri's) initiative is valuable and is considered a roadmap to stage the presidential elections.”
Al-Rahi noted that the proposal “should attract the needed political and media attention.”
Hariri delivered a speech on Friday during which he proposed a roadmap that includes the election of a new president, formation of a new cabinet that is similar to the current one, withdrawal of Hizbullah's fighters from Syria, and establishment of a comprehensive plan to combat terrorism.
He also urged against the extension of parliament's term, but remarked that parliamentary polls should take place after electing a new president.
Al-Rahi addressed during his speech at a dinner hosted by the Catholic Information Center the Islamic State of the Iraq and the Levant.
“Only humanity binds us together... We should establish dialogue and seek consensus on different matters,” he pointed out.
He wondered what Christians in Iraq and the city of Mosul did to be treated with such infringement and hatred.
Over the weekend, hundreds of families fled Mosul, abandoning homes and belongings after IS fighters running the city issued an ultimatum for Christians to convert, pay a special tax, leave or face execution.
Families who were forced on the road and leaders of Iraq's Chaldean and other churches said Mosul was now emptied of Christians for the first time in history.
Jihadist fighters want to create a state based on an extreme interpretation of sharia -- or Islamic law -- and have targeted all minorities in the Mosul area.
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Source: Agence France Presse
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