AlRai: Lebanon cannot wait for peace in Syria, Iraq, Egypt

Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bshara Butros Al-Rai stressed Saturday that it is unacceptable to keep matters in Lebanon pending, awaiting the end of conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Egypt. "Lebanon is neutral in its entity; neither following nor dependent on any Arab or western country, but is founded on the basis of its national pact of Muslim-Christian coexistence with no discrimination," stressed Al-Rai. He considered that what is being witnessed nowadays is a deviation of said national pact. In his religious sermon delivered at Saint Semaan's Church in Qlay'aat, Al-Rai called for abandoning the language of violence, war, conflicts and destruction in Lebanon and neighboring countries, and resorting to the word of God. "The Lord's words alone carry truth, justice and peace to all," said Al-Rai. The Patriarch stressed that without dialogue, there can be no solution to existing conflicts. "Lebanon's utmost interests entail that politicians rise to the level of historical responsibilities and demonstrate awareness and openness to the other through a national dialogue table," Al-Rai noted. The Patriarch's sermon came within a church mass service held in Qlay'aat, as part of his parish tour amongst a number of towns in the region of Keserwan on Saturday, which also included Faitroun and Raifoun.