Rai explains Hezbollah-Bkerke dialogue fundamentals

Maronite Patriarch Bshara Rai said on Thursday that three major points represent the core of dialogue with Hezbollah.

The entity of Lebanon as a state, the National Pact, Lebanon's detachment, as well as Lebanon's message, are what the Patriarch referred to as the dialogue's framework.

Speaking before the Editors' Syndicate in Bkerke today, Rai said this dialogue does not replace the dialogue table, as it not of a political aspect.

Pertaining to the extended Christian Gathering that was held earlier at Bkerke to tackle the electoral law, Rai said the main focus was on the quality of representation, as on finding the best way to preserve parity.

"Dialogue doors were opened as a result to electoral law discussions for it is dishonorable that we go backwards to the 1960 law," he remarked. Lastly, the Patriarch hailed the written press, calling on the government to support it so that media institutions won't be compelled to close down.