The head of the Maronite Church, Bechara Rai. (Credit: NNA)
Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai called on Sunday for the adoption of "neutrality" to ensure Lebanon's unique pluralism during a Mass celebrating the feast of Saint Maron at St. George Cathedral in downtown Beirut. The service was attended by President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, among others.
"By your election, Mr. President, you have restored confidence in the hearts of the Lebanese and in Arab and foreign countries — a long-awaited confidence that has been reinforced by the formation of the government," Rai said in his homily. Joseph Aoun was applauded by the audience upon his arrival at the Mass.
"Neutrality is not contrary to personal beliefs. It is a system that protects plurality. Neutrality is the guarantor of internal security and external defense," the patriarch added.
"Stop wasting time. Put an end to the downfall of the judiciary ... and violations of the Constitution. Compromises must be made ... The real danger facing Lebanon is decadence. We must be on the side of civilization and renaissance ... Stop violating the Constitution. The people are suffocating due to paralysis. Offer them solutions and compromises," he added.
Kabalan: 'Lebanon cannot be isolated'
Jaafari Mufti Ahmad Kabalan, for his part, argued Sunday that "Lebanon cannot be isolated from dangers that threaten its sovereignty and existence" — a direct challenge to the neutrality principle advocated by the Maronite patriarch.
"We must constantly remember that Israel is a curse and a source of crises in the region. Palestine is not Saudi Arabia, Netanyahu is a butcher covered in shame, and Trump is a showman," the mufti said in a statement.
"Lebanon is a partner of Saudi Arabia in confronting Israeli impudence. Lebanon, due to its interests and culture, is a partner of Arab countries and the Islamic world. Salam has a historic chance to insist on Lebanon's Arab and Islamic cooperation," he added.
"We are pleased with the presence of the Lebanese Forces in this government," Kabalan continued, expressing opposition to "isolating one group or another."
"We must listen to the opposition and minorities ... Economic and electoral reforms must be implemented ... combating corruption ... and restoring rights to South Lebanon," he said.
Ali Khatib, vice president of the Supreme Shiite Council, on Sunday called for "not losing the elements that make Lebanon strong before the state has the ability to resist." He also advocated "strengthening the capabilities of the army and security services ... implementing a defense strategy to face Israeli threats and applying Resolution 1701."
