Sources close to Bkirki disclosed that the meeting between Maronite Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros Rai and the head of the Free Patriotic Movement MP Gebran Bassil is an annual tradition adopted by Bassil with the Patriarch’s relocation to Diman.
They confirmed that there is ongoing communication between the two parties, and Bassil discussed with the patriarch the dialogue session he had with Hezbollah.
He considered the issue with Hezbollah to be centered around the presidential matter, specifically the exclusive nomination of Marada leader Sleiman Frangieh. In contrast, Hezbollah criticizes Bassil for rejecting Frangieh and not proposing any other candidate.
The sources also noted that the Patriarch encourages any dialogue that can lead to a result benefiting the country. In this context, he expressed his wish for Bassil to continue the dialogue with Hezbollah, with the hope of reaching an agreement that would result in presenting a list of names acceptable to the remaining parties.
Rai will visit Ehden Friday at 4:00 p.m. to inaugurate the Mar Charbel Church. On this occasion, Rai will meet with local dignitaries and participate in a dinner reception.
