Al-Rahi Addresses Parliament: Closing the Baabda Palace Door is a Shame

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi called on the parliament on Wednesday to rise to the level of “up to the national juncture” through electing a new president, considering that closing the door of the presidential palace is a “shame.”

"I urge the parliament to rise to the level of the national juncture and preserve the dignity of Lebanon and its people through electing a new president,” al-Rahi stated in an interview on Future television.

"And if the door of the presidential palace closes, it will be a shame and a huge failure by the parliament,” he added.

A few days before the president's tenure comes to an end, the patriarch praised Michel Suleiman's “patience and wisdom in leading the country to safety.”

"(Suleiman) preserved the dignity of the presidency despite all difficulties,” he said.

Al-Rahi elaborated: “He managed to cooperate with both the legislative and the executive authorities smoothly and respectfully during the six years (of his term).”

"I thank him with all my heart for what he has offered Lebanon in these 6 years.”

Suleiman's tenure in office ends on May 25, but the parliament has so far failed in electing a new head of state over disagreements between the March 8 and March 14 coalitions.

In the first electoral round, no nominee was able to gather the required number of votes to win the race. And quorum was not secured in the second, third and fourth rounds, which blocked the possibility of holding a voting session.

While the March 14 coalition publicly announced backing Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea in his presidential race, Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun said he aspires to become a consensual nominee and garner the support of al-Mustaqbal bloc.

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Y.R.