Al-Rahi Returns from Rome, Urges Govt. to Shun 'One-sided, Spiteful' Acts
Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi on Sunday hoped Prime Minister Najib Miqati’s new government will shoulder its responsibilities without resorting to “one sided or spiteful” acts.
Upon his arrival in Beirut from a one-week visit to the Vatican during which he met with Pope Benedict XVI, several Holy See officials and a number of Lebanes expats, al-Rahi said: “We hope this government will truly shoulder its responsibilities and work in service of everyone and not in a one-sided or spiteful manner as some are claiming.”
Asked about the “blessings” granted by the pope to the new government, al-Rahi said the pontiff congratulated him on the formation of a new cabinet in Lebanon and wished it success.
“We hope this government will meet the aspirations of the Lebanese despite the difficulties, but we have confidence in it and in each other,” the patriarch added.
Asked about the dinner banquet that will be held by President Michel Suleiman in Amsheet under his auspices and in the presence of Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun, al-Rahi said: “I’m happy to hear this news and to make a pastoral visit to Byblos.”
He also thanked the president for the invitation and lauded any meeting between Lebanese leaders.
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