Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rai. (Credit: NNA)
Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai on Sunday renewed his support for the framework agreement signed between Lebanon and Israel in June, describing it as a "national path to address outstanding issues, consolidate a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace, and preserve the sovereignty of the state over all its territory."
The framework essentially links Hezbollah's disarmament to Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon through a gradual process. It is being implemented through "pilot zones," the first phase of which began about 10 days ago with three villages. However, two of the villages were not initially under Israeli occupation, while the Israeli army is present on the outskirts of the third.
"At this critical stage, we say once again and repeat: We want peace to be a national decision that protects Lebanon and its people, and keeps it away from the flames of war," Rai said in his homily while presiding over a festive Mass at St. George Church in Ehden marking the commemoration of Blessed Patriarch Estephan Doueihi, according to local media.
"The salvation of the nation begins when politics is transformed from a struggle over influence into a service of the common good; when administration shifts from a space for patronage into a home for competence; when the judiciary becomes a stronghold of justice; and when the economy becomes a guarantee for the dignity of families and the future of youth," he added.
Rai also said he stood alongside those displaced by the war, calling for the "acceleration of reconstruction." Despite the cease-fire agreement reached after months of war, Israel still occupies more than 60 Lebanese villages, where it continues to destroy infrastructure daily.
The patriarch reaffirmed that the "state is the legitimate reference for all Lebanese," noting that "unity of decision, sovereignty, and the monopoly of arms in the hands of legitimate institutions protect the country from chaos and division."
Regarding the Lebanese Army, whose anniversary was Saturday, Rai said that "it is our duty to surround it with political, material, and moral support, and to shield it from political tensions, for it is the army of all Lebanese, the guarantor of their unity, and the trustee of the land, the people, and sovereignty." The Lebanese Army plays an important role in the "pilot zones" project, as it is responsible for deploying and disarming Hezbollah in the designated areas.
Rai also addressed the Beirut port explosion, two days before its sixth anniversary, saying: "We will not forget, nor will we accept that the truth be buried under the rubble of the port. Justice is a right that does not lapse. Uncovering the truth and responsibilities is a duty that must not be obstructed."
On Aug. 4, 2020, several hundred tons of ammonium nitrate exploded, devastating Beirut, killing at least 235 people and injuring around 6,500 others.
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