Patriarch Rai meets Mikati in Bkerke

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Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai discussed on Monday with Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati in Bkerke the current situation and developments in the country.

"I sensed Patriarch Rai's keenness for a president to be elected as soon as possible, and he knows, and we know that the matter is not related to the government, but instead is the responsibility of the Parliament," Mikati said following the meting.

"Therefore, today we bear responsibility for a matter in which we have no decision other than running the affairs of the country and ensuring the comfort of the citizens," he added.

"From this perspective, I explained to the patriarch the atmosphere related to the last Cabinet session, based on His Beatitude's consideration that there might be some constitutional, political, and sectarian matters," Mikati continued.

"I stated that the session was in line with the constitution," he stressed.

"As from a sectarian standpoint, I do not permit any discussion of this matter because there is no discrimination between citizens. Regarding the national pact, it is not acceptable to use it as an excuse every time, and the Cabinet fully represented all sects," Mikati added.

"The patriarch suggested that perhaps it would be better to consult with all ministers before the cabinet session," he said.

"To agree on the actions we will take in the upcoming stage, we agreed to hold a consultation session with the ministers soon," Mikati added.

"I felt the Patriarch's full concern for Lebanon and its unity and that Lebanon will never be threatened. Lebanon is a 100-year-old state, so no one threatens us in any way whatsoever. This matter is completely rejected, and the country concerns us all," he concluded.

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