Al-Rahi from Akkar: Lebanon’s Salvation Linked to National Dialogue
Maronite Patriach Beshara al-Rahi stressed on Tuesday the importance of the national dialogue, saying that officials who do not attend the all-party talks will be on the losing end in Lebanon.
He said: “The national dialogue tackles national causes and Lebanon’s salvation is linked to the talks.”
He made his remarks from the town of Sheikh Mohammed during his ongoing visit to the northern region of Akkar.
“I hope all sides would abandon their personal interests and return to the dialogue,” continued the patriarch.
“Lebanon cannot tolerate division and hostility. This is part of our culture and we must maintain it,” stressed al-Rahi.
The March 14 camp had boycotted the national dialogue over its failure to address Hizbullah’s possession of arms, as well as Palestinian possession of weapons inside and outside refugee camps.
President Michel Suleiman is holding consultations with members from the camp in order to persuade it to resume the talks.
The next round of dialogue is set for Thursday.
over 11 years
a foreign country just tried killing you and you do not bring it up?
over 11 years
Dialogue with whom dear Patriarch? With the supporters of killers and murders who just tried to kill you and tried to throw Lebanon under the wheels of war?
Dialogue took plave 2 years ago and no one honered it. Please stop asking people to do what was tried and failed. Ask them to honor the state, to allow the government to spread it influence to the suburbs of Beirut and the Palestinian camps, to surrender all none state weapons. When that is done, then dialogue is possible. This is not a chicken and egg dilemma.
over 11 years
From a Maronite Christian, Batrak Rahi you are a disapointment. Your speech is mediocre at best and not in line with Bkerkeh's historic stances. I know the core message of Christianity is Love one another and Forgiveness, but these core values work both ways, you were a target of assassination from one known Camp, and your response is "Dialogue Table"...pfttt on you and your request! Elie
over 11 years
Patriarch put his finger on the issue when he said, he hoped that "all sides would abandon their personal interests and return to the dialogue".
It is very true. In order for Dialogue to be genuine, all parties must subordinate their personal interests to the greater interests of Lebanon. But, Patriarch is preaching to the choir by imploring the M14 to do this. He should go and tell this to Aoun and to Nasrallah. Unless all take this attitude, it would be suicide for any one party to do so.
M14 went peacefully into the Opposition following M8's breach of its agreement not to resign from the government in January 2011. It did so for the good of the nation. M14 has a record of subordinating its interests for that of the nation. M8 has done nothing but advance its interests at the expense of the nation.
Your Beatitude, give your talk in Dahiyieh as well as in Akkar
and good luck.
Christians and Sunnis alike are celebrating your historic visit to Akkar...Lebanon is one people and may god protect it.