Patriarch Rai 'prays for success of Lebanon's negotiations with Israel'

BEIRUT — Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai on Sunday voiced support for ongoing negotiations between Lebanon and Israel and renewed his call for Lebanese "neutrality," while warning of worsening social and security conditions in Beirut amid the influx of war-displaced Lebanese.

In his Sunday mass, Rai said, "We pray for the success of the ongoing negotiations and discussions, and that all those who play a role in the Lebanese issue, both inside and outside the country, be inspired by a spirit of wisdom, discernment, and responsibility," according to the state-run National News Agency (NNA).

"Lebanon’s stability is of benefit to all those connected to it and who believe in its mission and its role ... Whatever the difficulties, Lebanon remains, through its neutrality, a message of civilization, encounter, and openness," he added.

Lebanon and Israel have reached a U.S.-brokered truce, extended twice since April 17, aimed at ending a war that resumed on March 2 between Hezbollah and Israel. The truce, daily violated by Israel, also stipulates that Hezbollah must be disarmed, which has rejected measures taken by Lebanese authorities as well as direct negotiations with Tel Aviv. Hezbollah defers to its Iranian patron, which is seeking to include a clause on ending the war in Lebanon in a possible agreement with the United States.

'Beirut, city of culture and not a city of chaos'

The patriarch also expressed concern over the security and social situation in Beirut, where authorities are seeking solutions to waves of displaced people, particularly those living in makeshift tents along the waterfront.

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"What we see today as chaos, poverty, neglect, and worry over the identity of this city calls all of us to self-examination and collective responsibility," he said. "Beirut was not built on hatred or exclusion, but on coexistence, culture, openness and respect for human beings ... But it is unacceptable that it be left alone to bear everyone's burdens, with no plan, no vision and no present state," Rai added. "Saving Beirut will not be accomplished through speeches, but by uniting our efforts, ending the chaos, and restoring respect for the law and institutions."

According to a government source cited this week by L’Orient-Le Jour, a rise in crime has been observed on the waterfront, which hosts about 800 displaced people on a site of around 600 square meters, reportedly owned by Solidere, the Lebanese Company for the Development and Reconstruction of Beirut. The Lebanese state is also struggling to implement a decision taken April 9, the day after Israeli strikes in the capital, to demilitarize Beirut.