Al-Rahi: Arms Possession Must Be Limited to Legitimate Security Forces
Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi called on officials on Sunday to assume their responsibilities in protecting the citizens’ security and that of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.
He said during his Sunday sermon: “They should work seriously in limiting the possession of arms in Lebanon to the legitimate security forces and leave all defense and security decisions to the political authorities.”
“It is no longer acceptable for the country to remain hostage to any side and under any excuse,” he stressed.
“This cannot be achieved without guaranteeing trust between the officials,” the patriarch noted.
“They should all respect the other and accept their differences instead of issuing accusations of treason,” he added.
“They should advocate rhetoric that helps solve crises and not fuel tensions,” al-Rahi remarked.
Furthermore, he condemned Friday’s attack against UNIFIL, which he described as an attack against peace and the sacrifices made by the international troops.
It is also an attack against the dignity of France, Lebanon, and the participating nations, he stated.
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