Marada leader Sleiman Frangieh weighed in on the presidential election issue, asserting that his candidacy “does not represent an assault on the democratic process of electing the president, but rather a reaffirmation of that process.”
Following a Thursday meeting with Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai in Bkerke, Frangieh emphasized his loyalty to the patriarchal seat and his readiness for dialogue. But he explained, regarding the Christian gathering that convened in Bkerke on March 21, at Archbishop al-Rai’s request, that he had only refrained from participating in the committee and that he’s not boycotting the patriarchal headquarters.
“We are willing to engage in any dialogue for which we receive official invitations, but we abstain from unilateral dialogues organized with the intention of marginalization,” he explained.
Frangieh underscored that “the security of the Christians hinges on openness and dialogue, not on exclusion.”
He concluded by affirming, “Should a document issued by Bkerke align with our principles, we will lend our support to it.”
