Al-Rahi Voices Grave Concern over Ongoing Presidency Crisis
Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi expressed grave concern on Sunday over the ongoing presidential vacuum and its repercussions on the constitutional state.
“We lack the inner sight... and politicians need to realize the impact of their political practices on the state,” al-Rahi said during a mass at Bkirki at the end of centenary of the death of Saint Rafqa.
He called on the rival parties to understand the risks compelled by vacuum, noting that the “country's economy is paralyzed.”
MPs failed for the 20th time last week to elect a new head of state over lack of quorum. President Michel Suleiman's term ended in May without the election of a successor.
Hizbullah and Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun's Change and Reform bloc have been boycotting electoral sessions due to a disagreement with the March 14 camp over a compromise presidential candidate.
Al-Rahi also expressed fear over the ongoing Syrian refugees crisis, calling on foreign and Arab countries to return the displaced to their homes.
“They are having negative impacts on the economy, security and political situation in the country,” he noted.
An estimated 1.18 million Syrians have fled their country's bloody conflict to take refuge in Lebanon, which has struggled to deal with the influx as the war enters its fifth year.
| Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. | https://naharnet.com/stories/en/172602 |