Rai from Beirut Int’l Airport: If we lose dialogue we lose our humanity

Lebanese Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutrus Rai arrived to Lebanon following his appointment as Cardinal in the Vatican. In a press conference from Beirut International Airport’s Cedar Lounge, Rai delivered several messages.      

Rai reiterated his call for coexistence and love in the face of strife and challenges threatening the country. We are in the midst of a crisis in terms of unity with God; hence why see sectarianism on the rise. First we must make peace with God, and this will lead us to peaceful coexistence, Rai said.            

“We are one family in Lebanon, but our unity lies within our versatility.”             

Rai voiced his gratitude for Lebanese President Michel Sleiman, whom according to Rai did his utmost in his honor.   

Lebanon is facing grave dangers, and for the country to overcome these difficulties, leaders of all political factions must place personal interest aside for the benefit of the people. Politicians from different sides must compromise and sit on the table of national dialogue in order to solve the issues facing Lebanon. “If we lose dialogue we lose what makes us human,” Rai said.               

Regarding the electoral law, Rai stressed his opposition to the 60’s law saying: “For just representation the 1960’s law must not be applied.”                

The Lebanese people must feel that they will be fully represented in the upcoming parliamentary elections.             

“In the case an electoral law is not reached in time, then we would be left with the 1960’s law; however that does not mean that we endorse this law. The priority lies within holding the elections in due time,” Rai added.           

On whether he would be interested in practicing politics, Rai said, “men of the cloth are men of the cloth, matters of politics are for politicians and not for men of the clergy.”