Rahi: Presidential Initiative Must be Taken Seriously

Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi reiterated the calls on Thursday for the election of a president and for the formation of a new electoral law that respects the national pact and provides parity.

“We reiterate the calls to elect a president as soon as possible, and we urge the political blocs to take the presidential settlement initiative seriously,” said al-Rahi in a pre-Christmas letter.

“We deeply appreciate the personal initiatives,” he added.

“A new electoral law that respects the national pact and provides parity must be stipulated. The government must commit to its responsibilities and reactivate the work of the public institutions.”

“We are determined to perform our duty to confront fanaticism, divisions and takfiris and we are keen to preserve coexistence,” stated the patriarch.

“We renew the demands for a lawful state where equality prevails among all.”

He concluded urging the government not to ignore the crisis of Syrian refugees in Lebanon fearing that some sides might exploit them to carry out terrorist acts.

Lebanon has been without a president since the term of President Michel Suleiman ended in May 2014.

An initiative emerged lately by Mustaqbal Movement leader MP Saad Hariri suggesting the nomination of Marada chief MP Suleiman Franjieh for the presidency.

The nomination has been met with reservations from the Kataeb Party, the Free Patriotic Movement and the Lebanese Forces.

D.A.

M.T.