Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai highlighted in his Sunday sermon that neutrality does not signify weakness. He stressed that positive neutrality is a necessity for Lebanon, rooted in the National Pact and the principle that Lebanon should neither serve as a base nor a haven for conflict.
Rai mentioned the optimism of many Lebanese, who feel reassured by the president's principles and international promises to Lebanon. “They express their confidence in the Prime Minister-designate (Nawaf Salam) and wish him the speedy formation of the government with the President (Joseph Aoun), who promised in his oath speech to practice positive neutrality, which relieved most citizens,” he added.
He also elaborated on the broader benefits of neutrality, tying it to economic reform, tourism and national unity. He believes neutrality “revives national unity, ensures stability and prosperity.”
Patriarch Rai reiterated Lebanon’s unique role as a message of coexistence and dialogue between Christians and Muslims, adding that positive neutrality allows Lebanon to fulfill its mission as a meeting point for cultures and religions. He described it as “a political doctrine based on non-alignment with conflicting regional and international blocs while committing to just causes worldwide, such as the right of peoples to independence.”
Rai concluded that neutrality is fundamental to Lebanon’s National Pact, not a replacement for it. He emphasized that it offers “the best solution to Lebanon’s political, social and sectarian crises.”
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