Patriarch Rai urges Christians to hold strong to their lands

Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai reiterated on Thursday the need to elect a new president to settle the country’s political stalemate, voicing his rejection to the ongoing presidential vacuum, and urging all politicians of all sects to “unite and save the country.”

 

Patriarch Rai noted that the Middle East is suffering, mainly in terms of persecuted minorities and specifically the Christian community, adding that the latter must hold strong to its lands.  

 

Earlier on Tuesday and following a meeting with deputies of the March 14 coalition and other independent MPs, Patriarch Rai stressed that any authority that stands in contradiction to the national pact and national coexistence is considered illegitimate.

Lawmakers urged Patriarch Rai to hold a meeting in Bkerki with all parties to take the necessary decisions to put an end to the presidential deadlock.

They also called for the consideration of the constitutional quorum as the ultimate majority, or what is known as "half-plus-one" following the first electoral session.

The MPs also noted that a committee was formed of MP Farid Mekkari, Minister Boutros Harb, MP Georges Adwan, MP Nadim Gemayel, MP Atef Majdalani to coordinate with Speaker Nabih Berri and inform him of the latest developments.

Lebanon officially entered presidential vacuum last year on May 25 after the six-year term of former President Michel Sleiman expired.

Lawmakers have repeatedly failed to choose a successor to the head of state. The impasse highlights the stark political divisions in the country.