Rai: Nations are not preserved by weapons

Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai said Saturday that "nations are not preserved by weapons, but by a living conscience, values and faith," in an implicit criticism of Hezbollah, while calling for "reconciliation, respect for humanity and the building of a nation founded on truth, not on fear."

The head of the Maronite Church, who was speaking during a mass at the Church of Our Lady of Salvation in Bsalim, Mount Lebanon, also said that "peace is not built on slogans."

"What we are experiencing today is painful and exhausting. Lebanon continues to face daily attacks and violations, and its people live in uncertainty, anguish and apprehension. Events repeat, fear seeps into hearts and people anxiously ask, 'Where are we going?'" said Rai. He went on to denounce "the exhaustion and divisions" experienced by the Lebanese people who "simply aspire to live in dignity, peace and tranquility." "We are partners within this nation and responsible for its future," he added.

Hezbollah dragged Lebanon into a new war with Israel last March 2. A truce between Lebanon and the Israeli state, which took effect on April 17 and was set to expire in the coming days, was extended Friday by 45 days after the second day of direct negotiations between the Lebanese and Israeli delegations in Washington. Despite the cease-fire, deadly Israeli strikes have continued in Lebanon, in a context also marked by attacks claimed by Hezbollah.