Rai: The Paris Conference presented a roadmap for a diplomatic solution

Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai praised the Paris conference held on Oct. 24 to aid Lebanon and the roadmap it presented for a diplomatic solution to the ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah during his Sunday homily at the patriarchal seat in Bkerke. The proposed solution is based on three points: an immediate cease-fire, the implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 (which ended the 2006 war), specifically its provision for the deployment of the Lebanese Army south of the Litani River, and the election of a president "as soon as possible." Lebanon has been without a president for two years, and the current war has been ongoing since Oct. 8, 2023, with a sharp escalation since Sept. 23, 2024.

Raï also welcomed the success of the Islamic-Christian summit held at Bkerke on Oct. 16 to plan for the post-war period. The summit emphasized the unity of Lebanese citizens around their state and solidarity beyond political differences. He added, "All religious leaders agreed on the necessity of electing a president, and we are working with them to implement the summit's communiqué, which brought a glimmer of hope during these dark times."

The patriarch mentioned discussing the communiqué with the Pope during a recent meeting in Rome, where he explained Lebanon’s political situation and the humanitarian crisis, with over a million internally displaced people due to Israeli bombings. "The Pope assured that he is praying for Lebanon and reaffirmed the importance of maintaining its role and message of coexistence and pluralism," Rai said.

Finally, he mourned the numerous war casualties, including members of the Lebanese Army and three journalists killed by an Israeli missile in Hasbaya this week.

Raï : La Conférence de Paris a présenté une feuille de route pour une solution diplomatique