Pietton Meets Miqati: It’s Unfortunate that al-Rahi’s Statements Created Such Uproar
French Ambassador to Lebanon Denis Pietton questioned on Monday the uproar created in Lebanon over Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi’s statements from France, saying that it is unfortunate that it caused division among the Lebanese political class.
He said after holding talks with Prime Minister Najib Miqati that the patriarch’s visit was a success and it granted him an opportunity to express himself.
It was an historic visit that abided by tradition, he noted.
His statements from France reflected the Patriarchate and its role in Lebanon and the region, added the ambassador.
Pietton had accompanied al-Rahi on his visit to France last week.
The patriarch’s remarks from France had created controversy in Lebanon when he said: “Syrian President Bashar Assad must be given a chance because he is implementing reforms in Syria.”
He also called on the international community to force the implementation of resolutions issued by the U.N. Security Council in order to strip Hizbullah of excuses to possess arms.
“The international community must pressure Israel to withdraw from the occupied Lebanese territories … and fulfill the Palestinians’ right of return, and consequently Hizbullah will have to lay down its arms,” he told al-Arabiya television on Thursday.
over 12 years
More like a man who fell into the trap of thinking that he can make a difference by being different.
Disassociation with his predecessor's stances has been on Rahi's mind from day one. He's gone overboard trying to prove to the world that he is his own man and that he is different from his predecessor. This obsession with being different has made him lose focus.
There's nothing wrong with being different unless it becomes an obsession.
Wise man! He is so pragmatic and down to earth! We should be proud of him.
Syrian regime won't fail! It needs reforms and it is implementing them, what else do they want? They being the west.
As for the weapons of the Resistance, leave them in peace for now and focus on real issues at hand...