Metropolitan of Beirut Elias Audi denounced the obstruction of the presidential election, stressing that this election constitutes “the first step of the process towards the country’s salvation.”
In his Sunday sermon, Archbishop Audi criticized the dialogue as maintained in its current form by Lebanese leaders, stating that “dialogue is commendable and blessed” but wondering whether it complies with the provisions of the Constitution to elect a president. In particular, he asked, “Does the Constitution stipulate a dialogue that precedes the election of the president, or does Parliament have to convene in successive sessions to elect a president?”
“We are in a democratic country,” Audi argued, expressing regret that “democracy is not being practiced, and leaders are not aware that the real reform begins with the election of a president, through the respect and proper application of the Constitution.”
The Archbishop hoped, however, that “in the face of the darkness that reigns in Lebanon, the gas exploration,” which began in Lebanese waters on August 24, “will constitute a ray of hope for the Lebanese people, in particular the future generations.”
