On Sunday, the Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros al-Rai stressed that the Lebanese people cannot “coexist on one land in the presence of multiple States, armies and authorities.”
His statement echoes concerns voiced by the opposition bloc regarding Hezbollah’s weapons following Wednesday’s incidents in Kahale.
During his sermon at the Divine Liturgy on the occasion of the consecration of the altars of Our Lady of Mercies Church and the chapel of Saint Charbel in Qaaqour, in the Metn region, Rai said, “We call on all components of the country and parties to organize under the banner of the State, especially regarding the use of arms. It is impossible to coexist on one land with multiple States, armies, and authorities.”
Rai also called for “the implementation of the Taif Agreement and to refrain from adventurism in this regional circumstance, and to elect a president.”
In his first comment on the Kahaleh incident, Rai expressed his deep sorrow and sympathy for the families and communities affected.
“We grieve and sympathize as well with the people of Ain Ebel for the killing of Elias al-Hasrouni, on August 2, and the truth was lost afterwards. We also grieve and share in the pain of the people of Kahaleh for the loss of their dear fighter Fadi Bejjani, who fell victim to the ammunition truck. We are also pained by the loss of a victim from their ranks,” he stated in reference to Hezbollah’s militiaman killed during the incidents.
Lebanese Forces official Elias al-Hasrouni was assassinated in circumstances that have not yet been unveiled.
