Al-Rahi says negotiations 'necessity not concession' after meeting Aoun

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi said Thursday that negotiations are a necessity, not a concession, after he met President Joseph Aoun in Baabda ahead of a second session of direct talks between Lebanon and Israel in Washington.

"Negotiations are the only path toward ending wars and destruction, on behalf of all Lebanese people," al-Rahi said, adding that any infringement upon Lebanon's sovereignty, independence, or the rights of its people is "unacceptable."

The Patriarch reiterated his support for the Lebanese Army and its leadership, stressing that the State must be the sole authority for the people and that diplomacy remains the only viable solution.