Al-Rahi Slams 'Violation' of Constitution, Calls for Putting an End to Takfiri Practices
Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi slammed on Sunday “authoritarian” Lebanese politicians for leaving Baabda Palace vacant for the past four months.
“Perhaps the nation's lawmakers are not aware that the president is the symbol of the country's unity,” said al-Rahi during his sermon.
“Maybe they don't want a president so that they continue to spread chaos and cover up for corruption,” he said.
“The politicians are still practicing authoritarianism, leading to a blatant violation of the constitution and the non-election of a president,” al-Rahi added.
The patriarch urged politicians to “put aside all their personal and sectarian interests” and elect a president.
“No one is more important than the presidency,” he stressed.
Lebanon has been without a head of state since May 25 after the rival MPs failed to agree on a compromise candidate to succeed Michel Suleiman.
The patriarch lamented the killing of another Lebanese soldier by jihadists who have taken troops and policemen hostage.
He called for “putting an end to the practices of inhumane and takfiri groups.”
The militants, including the al-Qaida-linked al-Nusra Front and the extremist Islamic State group, are holding several soldiers and policemen hostage. They were kidnapped when the fighters overran the northeastern border town of Arsal last month.
Three have been killed by their captors. Two have been beheaded by IS militants. A third soldier was shot to death by al-Nusra Front jihadists on Saturday.
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