Al-Rahi: Lebanon Must Remain Neutral from Regional Conflicts

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi lamented on Thursday the spread of extremists in the Middle East, stressing the need for Lebanon to keep a distance from regional conflicts.

He said: “Lebanon should apply positive neutrality that was stipulated in its national pact, meaning it should not be tied to regional military axes.”

He made his remarks during a speech at the commencement ceremony at the American University of Science and Technology.

He highlighted the need for the rise of civil states in the region that would combat religious fundamentalism.

“The countries of the Middle East are in need of civil states that respect all rights and liberties,” added the patriarch.

“Lebanon took a unique step in this direction with the establishment of a civil state that respects freedom of belief. It however needs to complete this state,” noted al-Rahi.

Lebanon can act as an “oasis” in the Middle East should it succeed in overcoming its flaws, such as corruption, steering away from regional conflicts, and ending the dominance of illegitimate arms, he stated.

Addressing the revolts in the Arab world, he remarked that they started off as peaceful, but once met with resistance by the rulers and other forces, they turned violent and produced religious extremists.

“The Middle East is searching for its identity, but it definitely cannot find it through violence and war,” al-Rahi declared.

“The Arab Spring has unfortunately turned into an Arab Winter,” he said.

He therefore underscored the need for respecting freedom of expression and religious liberties, which in turn will create a harmonious society.

Earlier on Thursday, al-Rahi denounced the blast that hit the Bir al-Abed neighborhood in Beirut's southern suburbs and all the security incidents and violence that is moving from one area to another across Lebanon.

“The Lebanese must become nationally aware of the situation to avert attempts to create sedition in the country,” al-Rahi told his visitors.

Tuesday's Bir al-Abed car bomb attack, which wounded 53 people, was the most serious incident in Beirut's suburbs since the start of the Syria war more than two years ago.

Al-Rahi tasked Bishop Samir Mazloum to contact officials to express his condemnation over the matter and solidarity with wounded and those affected by the explosion.