Rai's new plea for Lebanon's neutrality, Kabalan considers this concept 'a lie'

Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai expressed hope that Lebanon becomes a "country of meeting" rather than an "arena of conflict," and called for it to "regain its natural position within the Arab community," during his homily for the first Lenten Mass on Sunday in Bkirki.

"These values can contribute to building a more stable and prosperous Arab future. Lebanon will remain, as it always has been, an authentic Arab state and a link between East and West," said Rai, once again advocating for the country's "positive neutrality" on the regional chessboard.

For his part, Jaafarite Mufti Sheikh Ahmad Kabalan once again adopted an opposing point of view. Indirectly responding to the patriarch, he said that "neutrality in this world is a lie, and Lebanon's interests are gravely threatened." "What we want is a power that governs in the name of national interests, not foreign interests," stated the religious leader known for his proximity to Hezbollah, reports the National News Agency.

The statements from the two religious leaders came at a time when the party has emerged considerably weakened from its war against Israel and when Lebanon, which recently elected a new President Joseph Aoun and has formed a new government led by Nawaf Salam, is working to warm up diplomatic relations with Arab countries, weakened by regional tensions.