The Metropolitan of Beirut, Elias Audi, asserted during Sunday’s sermon that “the longer the crisis goes on, the more Lebanon is being emptied of its inhabitants.” He said, “The countries that care about Lebanon are upset by the behavior of its various parties, while the leaders continue not to assume their responsibilities by prolonging the presidential vacuum.”
Archbishop Audi added, “These countries are questioning the usefulness of their interest in Lebanon, while those in charge continue their irresponsible behavior by prolonging the presidential vacancy. Instead of dwelling on the plans, programs, and priorities of the future president, wouldn’t they be better off electing a president and letting him work with his government?”
Audi denounced the accusations leveled by those in charge at each other, as they are “driven by personal interests that neither benefit the country nor pull it out of the ditch it finds itself in. Each side holds the other responsible for blocking the presidential election.”
“That may be true, but which of these parties is trying to make things easier, leaving aside their interests, relations, and conditions, and calling only for the application of the Constitution and the election of a president who would be a leader and bearer of a reforming mission?”
Audi insisted that “our country needs a power capable of resolving the various problems weighing on the shoulders of its citizens. As the vacancy persists, Lebanon continues to lose its inhabitants at an alarming rate, with many emigrating in search of a decent life,” while “the waves of (Syrian) immigration to Lebanon continue, more problems and burdens arise.”
