Al-Rahi Says Has Invited Maronite Leaders to Bkirki Meeting

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi revealed Monday that he has invited the country's top four Maronite leaders to a meeting in Bkirki and that he is “still awaiting answers” from them.

He voiced his remarks to LBCI television during a pastoral visit to the coastal Syrian city of Tartus.

He was referring to Change and Reform bloc chief MP Michel Aoun, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea, former Kataeb Party chief Amin Gemayel and Marada Movement leader MP Suleiman Franjieh.

“All political blocs must take the presidential initiative seriously, especially that foreign countries are behind this initiative,” al-Rahi told LBCI.

“Political and Christian forces must sit around a table to hold consultations and reach a domestic national decision on the figure that they want to nominate for the presidency,” he added.

“They must sit around one table to assess things in a serious manner and take a comprehensive and responsible stance that involves all Lebanese,” the patriarch went on to say.

Franjieh's chances to reach the Baabda Palace had recently made a dramatic surge in the wake of a Paris meeting between him and al-Mustaqbal movement leader ex-PM Saad Hariri.

Hariri has also met in the French capital with Kataeb Party chief MP Sami Gemayel and Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat.

Al-Rahi has met in recent days with Franjieh, Sami Gemayel and Free Patriotic Movement chief Jebran Bassil -- Aoun's son-in-law.

The FPM, the LF and Kataeb have voiced objections or reservations over the possible nomination of Franjieh to the country's top Christian post and some of the three parties' officials have asked for “guarantees.”

Y.R.