Patriarch Rai: Western policies fostering extremism

Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Rai said on Tuesday that the policies that have so far been implemented by the West in the region aim to create the perfect atmosphere for thriving extremism, noting that both Muslim and Christian communities share coexistence as a way of life for decades.

Addressing a delegation of expatriate youths of Lebanese origin in the patriarchate's summer seat in Diman, Patriarch Rai said that "Christians and Muslims must preserve their presence in the region and build a pluralistic society."

As for the current events taking place in the Middle East, Patriarch Rai said that their goal aim at serving the economic and political interests of greater powers.

He also slammed the Sunnite-Shiite conflict in the region, adding that it has become an international conflict.

On another note, Patriarch Rai met held talks with Change and Reform Bloc MP Ibrahim Kanaan and the Kataeb Party Leader Amine Gemayel.