Al-Rahi Reminds MPs of Moral Duties, Says President Should be Accepted by All Sides

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  • W460
  • W460

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi said on Thursday that lawmakers had a “moral duty” to guarantee the needed two-thirds quorum for the election of a new president who should garner the support of all parties.

In remarks following talks with Speaker Nabih Berri in Ain el-Tineh, al-Rahi said: “The MPs have a moral duty to attend the parliamentary sessions because they have been elected by the people.”

“Isn't that true?” he asked Berri, who stood behind him. Berri replied “True.”

The parliament failed to elect a new president on Wednesday after no candidate secured the two-thirds of the votes needed to win and many lawmakers cast blank ballots and then left the parliament hall.

Those who walked out were members of the March 8 alliance, including MPs from Berri's parliamentary bloc.

Al-Rahi hoped there would be quorum during the second round of elections next week and all coming sessions “so that MPs meet and elect responsibly.”

“The strength of the next president lies in being acceptable by all sides,” he said.

“We don't call the head of state a consensual president,” al-Rahi later said at Rafik Hariri International Airport before traveling to Rome.

“We should not insult each other every time there is a political event ... Lebanon is based on partnership,” al-Rahi told reporters.

The patriarch said it was “necessary” for him to meet with the speaker before heading to Rome. “We have always been in contact over the elections.”

“Some people found (Wednesday's) session negative and others positive,” he told reporters.

“I thanked Berri for calling for the session and for the second round next week,” he said.

But he stressed that the “same scenario” should “not be repeated” during the second vote on April 30, when the winning candidate will need only a simple majority of 65 votes.

Lawmakers must pick a replacement for President Michel Suleiman before his term expires at midnight May 24. He leaves Baabda Palace the next day.

G.K.

D.A.

Comments 6
Thumb -phoenix1 24 April 2014, 12:42

The dynamics of our country, past and present, even though so imperfect have at least proven to all and beyond, that the old guard of yesteryear cannot offer much for our country anymore. It's highly possible that Geagea meant well in his candidacy and could not be doubted either, maybe general Aoun also meant well and also could not be doubted, but today in view of our continuing inertia that still grips the country at all levels, the word maybe has expired its worthiness, the word for sure now replaces it in our current context. After having gone through the first phase of voting, now the reality has finally dawned, that new people are needed, for they are the ones that could provide us with the solutions that still remain so elusive. New faces, new generation, the youth and its vision. The old guard is done, expired, let the youth take over, period.

Thumb -phoenix1 24 April 2014, 17:14

Thanks Joe, this is what we want, new blood, and I hope by now after what we've seen yesterday in parliament, that everyone will come to realize that times have changed.

Thumb cedre 24 April 2014, 15:08

terro, its a christian seat, let them consult him or tell him to shut up,
its their business.
When I see current situation i think that maybe president should be elected by christians ONLY...

Thumb gma-bs-artist. 24 April 2014, 18:01

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi:"Mr speaker the MPs have a moral duty.."
Mr speaker Nabih Berri: "umm, I'm not familiar with the word"
Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi:"The word 'Moral' or the word 'Duty'?"
Mr speaker Nabih Berri: "umm, both"

Thumb chrisrushlau 24 April 2014, 19:43

His Excellent Holiness, Mr. Ralph "Call me 'Al'" Rahi preached an impromptu homily while waiting for the fourth take of his off-the-cuff remarks about the presidential election. "Yea, and the Lord Jesus said to his little children, 'When you see the Shiite, saieth unto yourselves, "I'd best get me a hatchet and commence to chopping on this so-and-so," for there is eternal enmity between the Christian and the Shiite,' which meaneth that for thousands of years after I go to my rest, ye shall smite the Shiite wheresoever you find him, in the cradle, in the school, and so give glory to your Father which is in heaven."

Thumb gma-bs-artist. 25 April 2014, 01:07

What are you on Chris??