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Al-Rahi from Tyre: We Want Political Decisions that Ensure Muslim-Christian Coexistence

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi hoped on Saturday that God would inspire political leaders to take the appropriate decisions that would fall in Lebanon’s favor.

He said from the southern city of Tyre: “We hope they will take political decisions that can ensure the people’s freedom and protect the coexistence between Muslims and Christians in Lebanon and the whole region.”

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Hariri: Abbas’ Speech Uncovered Israel’s Intentions to Reject Peace

Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri praised on Saturday Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ speech at the United Nations where he demanded that Palestine be admitted as a full member state at the international organization.

He said in a statement: “The speech revealed Israel’s hostile plans and its hidden intentions to reject all efforts to achieve peace.”

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ISF Member Killed in Dispute between Bir Hassan Residents

A member of the Internal Security Forces was killed Friday night when a clash broke out between the al-Qaq and al-Dar families in the Bir Hassan neighborhood in Beirut, reported the National News Agency on Saturday.

It explained that heavy machine guns were used in the dispute.

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Al-Rahi to Connelly: Resolving Hizbullah’s Arms Linked to Israeli Implementation of International Resolutions

U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly informed Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi of her country’s disappointment with his recent statements, reported As Safir on Saturday.

Al-Rahi had recently stated that Hizbullah’s arms are a product of the Israeli occupation, which sparked Connelly’s consternation.

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Gunshots from Syria Fired at Akkar

Heavy gunshots were fired from Syria towards villages in the northern region of Akkar Friday night, creating a state of panic among the residents in the area, reported Voice of Lebanon radio on Saturday.

Several of them consequently moved to nearby villages in al-Rihanieh and Wadi Khaled to escape the gunshots.

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Suleiman to Ban: Let Israel Implement Resolution 1701 and Then Ask Us about 1559

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon encouraged on Thursday Lebanon to invest in its natural resources that are located in areas that are not under dispute, reported As Safir newspaper on Saturday.

It revealed that Ban “surprised” the Lebanese delegation in New York by bringing up the issue of U.N. Security Council resolution 1559, especially regarding the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon.

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Suleiman: I Advised Assad Not to Ignore His People’s Demands

President Michel Suleiman stated on Friday that Lebanon’s position at the United Nations Security Council on the developments in Syria “does not place it in a compromising position,” revealing that he encouraged Syrian President Bashar Assad to pave the way for democracy.

He told MTV in an interview: “I advised him against ignoring his people’s demands.”

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Sfeir Won’t Address Political Situation during LF Mass

Former Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir will not address the political situation in Lebanon during the Saturday’s mass commemorating the fallen members of the Lebanese Forces, revealed information obtained by Naharnet on Friday.

Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi will be unable to attend, but he will send his deputy Roland Abu Jaoude who will deliver a speech on the patriarch’s behalf.

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Ahead of al-Rahi Trip, U.S. Says Christians Choices Not Limited to Autocracy or Extremism

The United States considers the ongoing popular protests in Syria and a number of Arab countries as “a reflection of the ambitions of these countries’ peoples, their aspiration for freedom and democracy, and their adherence to all of their political and civil rights,” a western diplomatic source stressed.

In an interview with Naharnet, the source noted that “the U.S. administration believes it is Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi’s right to express the concerns and aspirations of his community during this period.

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Road Chaos as Heavy Rains Lash Lebanon

Autumn’s first rains spread chaos on Lebanese roads on Friday as a heavy downpour caused bumper-to-bumper traffic blocking drivers in their vehicles.

All entrances to Beirut were blocked as drivers waited for hours to reach their destinations after rains flooded the streets.

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