Al-Rahi Slams March 8 and 14, Says Legitimate Armed Forces Lebanon’s Sole Protector
Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi slammed both the March 8 and 14 alliances on Sunday for “tarnishing Lebanon’s image” and paralyzing state institutions in addition to shoving the country in Syria's crisis.
In a harshly worded sermon at Our Lady of Lebanon basilica in Harissa, al-Rahi called for “national reconciliation among politicians and mainly the so-called March 8 and 14 alliances that have tarnished Lebanon's image and its coexistence.”
The patriarch also accused the two foes of preventing the parliamentary elections from taking place and paralyzing the formation of a new “strong and capable government” that should be able to confront the economic crisis and the security chaos.
Al-Rahi said the coalitions have also paralyzed constitutional institutions, and pushed the Lebanese people in Syria's war and its repercussions after getting involved in the neighboring country's crisis.
The president threw his support behind President Michel Suleiman, who attended the mass along with first Lady Wafaa.
Premier-designate Tammam Salam and several caretaker cabinet ministers and lawmakers were among those present at the ceremony, which was held to reinaugurate the basilica after the end of renovation work in its ceiling and front windows.
Al-Rahi announced his “full support to Suleiman in any initiative aimed at salvaging” the country.
He also backed the army, saying “the legitimate armed forces are Lebanon's sole protector.”
The patriarch called for ending extremism and said there should be strong efforts to establish democratic states in the region that respect human rights.
| Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. | https://naharnet.com/stories/en/87111 |