The Council of Maronite Bishops, headed by Patriarch Bechara al-Rai, hold their monthly meeting. (Credit: NNA)
BEIRUT — The Council of Maronite Bishops, headed by Patriarch Bechara al-Rai, reassured on Wednesday that the only solution to the repercussions of the war in Gaza and southern Lebanon "remains in implementing resolution 1701," the state-run National News Agency reported.
The comments came during the council's monthly meeting at the patriarchal headquarters in Dimane, Bcharri.
The bishops noted "their fear of the repercussions of the war in Gaza and southern Lebanon and what it may lead to in terms of a comprehensive escalation of violence by foreign will and for interests that have no connection to the homeland."
"The only solution that brings calm and some stability remains in implementing the United Nations resolutions, especially Resolution 1701," they said.
Tensions have recently risen between Hezbollah and Israel after the latter killed Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukur and several other civilians in the southern suburbs of Beirut last Tuesday. Hezbollah's anticipated retaliation is feared to push things towards a full-scale war.
"In light of the dangers threatening the homeland and the horror of the war raging in southern Lebanon, and because the state must be present with all its institutions and apparatuses to confront this fateful reality, the bishops renew their demand that Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri call for a parliamentary session in successive sessions until the president is elected, and they also call on all parliamentary blocs to participate in this essential constitutional process," the bishops added.
Lebanon has been without a president since the end of former President Michel Aoun's mandate in October 2022.