Al-Rahi Considers Parliament Term Extension Unconstitutional, Meets Australian PM Abott
Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi held talks on Wednesday with Australian Prime Minister Tony Abott, lashing out at the extension of the parliament's term.
“Simply, the extension of the tenure in democratic systems is illegal and unconstitutional,” al-Rahi stated as lawmakers are set to extend their term.
“We pray for the election of a new president in Lebanon and for peace in the world, in particular, in the Middle East,” al-Rahi said.
The patriarch said that the election of a new head of state would organize the legislative work.
The Lebanese parliament is tasked by the constitution to select a president, a decision that has already been put off more than a dozen of times as the war in Syria continues to divide rival political blocs.
During his meeting with Abott, al-Rahi stressed that “terrorist organizations are anti-religions, including Islam.”
He called on Australia to have a larger role in aiding Lebanon to end the Syrian refugees crisis, which is draining the country's resources and powers.
For his part, the Australian PM said that he is “closely” following up the situation in Lebanon and the region.
Al-Rahi visited earlier on Wednesday the New South Wales Parliament in Sydney, attending a session for 10 minutes.
“The friendship between Australia and Lebanon requires us to carry out a tremendous effort in the benefit of two countries,” al-Rahi told lawmakers.
“We should cooperate to end the political crises and wars in Lebanon and the Middle East.”
The patriarch traveled to Australia at the end of October on a two-week pastoral visit.
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