Al-Rahi urges end to judiciary 'politicization', warns against changing 'economic identity'

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi on Sunday called for an end to “the politicization of the judiciary,” as he warned against changing Lebanon’s “economic identity.”

“The Lebanese do not want an alternative to the state and they don’t want a partner for it. They are looking forward to a halt to the politicization of the judiciary and administration,” al-Rahi said in his Easter sermon.

“Duality must end and only one republic, one legitimacy and one arsenal of weapons should remain,” the patriarch urged, apparently referring to Hizbullah’s arms.

“For reforms to take their course, they should be accompanied by the state’s extension of its authority over its entire territory, arms and decisions should be unified in line with the Security Council resolutions, and the strategic choices that strengthen Lebanon’s ties with its Arab neighbourhood must be taken,” al-Rahi added.

Addressing President Michel Aoun, who was present at the mass, the patriarch stressed that he does not accept “a change of Lebanon’s economic identity.”

“We are confident that you will do the utmost to preserve this identity,” al-Rahi went on to say.