The head of the Maronite Church, Bechara al-Rai, delivers his Sunday homily in Bkirki on March 24, 2024. (Credit: NNA)
Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai on Sunday urged Lebanon not to succumb to European Union pressure and temptations after the EU announced $1 billion in aid to Lebanon to support it in tackling illegal migration to Europe.
During Sunday's prayer, Rai asked the Lebanese to "unite over the repatriation of Syrian refugees to their own country and not succumb to EU pressure and its temptations with the goal of avoiding their repatriation and keeping them in Lebanon for political reasons that are against their and Lebanon's interests."
Addressing Syrians in Lebanon, Rai said, "We say that the international community and the EU are using you for political goals that are against your interests. Don't replace your country with the temptation of staying in Lebanon."
The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced on Thursday during a visit to Lebnaon $1 billion in aid for the crisis-hit country and urged it to tackle illegal migration to the bloc.
The EU has already agreed deals with Tunisia, Mauritania and other countries to stem the flow of irregular migrants.
The European Commission president said the aid was designed to strengthen basic services such as education and health in the country mired in a severe economic crisis.
She called for the adoption of reforms, saying: "Lebanon needs a positive economic momentum to give opportunities to its businesses and citizens."