Al-Rahi to Connelly: Resolving Hizbullah’s Arms Linked to Israeli Implementation of International Resolutions
U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly informed Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi of her country’s disappointment with his recent statements, reported As Safir on Saturday.
Al-Rahi had recently stated that Hizbullah’s arms are a product of the Israeli occupation, which sparked Connelly’s consternation.
The patriarch responded: “It is a terrorist party in your eyes. It’s true that it possesses arms, but some Lebanese land is still under occupation.”
“The occupation must come to an end,” he stressed.
“If only the international community and the United States would help Lebanon and hold Israel accountable in implementing international resolutions,” he added.
“Had they done so, then we wouldn’t have a problem called Hizbullah’s weapons,” al-Rahi noted.
He had stated during his visit to France recently that Hizbullah’s arms possession is linked to the liberation of occupied Lebanese territory.
These statements and others on Christians in the region sparked controversy in Lebanon.
He later said that his remarks were misinterpreted and taken out of context.
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