Report: Al-Rahi to explore Shiite Duo's stance before calling for Christian meeting

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi will not invite Christian MPs to a meeting in Bkikri before confirming the “outcome and effectiveness” of such a move, sources informed on al-Rahi’s efforts said.

“He is inclined to first discuss the issue with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, to determine whether he and Hezbollah would positively receive any inter-Christian agreement,” the sources added, in remarks to Asharq al-Awsat newspaper published Friday.

Hezbollah had recently sent negative indications in this regard, when its deputy chief Sheikh Naim Qassem said that “any rules not stipulated by the constitution are not binding for anyone” and that Hezbollah would not abide by “interpretations tailored to fit those who cannot achieve their choices through the constitution.”

Asharq al-Awsat added that the names of many presidential candidates have been discussed in Bkirki, such as Jihad Azour, Naji al-Bustani, Ziad Baroud, Fares Boueiz, Salah Honein and others.