Maronite Patriarch, Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Rahi, received at the Patriarchal See in Bkerke the head of the Lebanese–French relations delegation and Member of the European Parliament, François-Xavier Bellamy.
Bellamy praised the decision of residents in several southern border villages to remain on their land despite the risks threatening their lives.
He said that despite the difficult conditions Lebanon and its people are going through, what is remarkable is the resilience of the population and their determination to keep their children in schools that have remained open despite the dangers. He added that it was very important to meet His Beatitude and discuss the current situation in the country, noting his awareness of the suffering of the Lebanese people and expressing hope that it will end soon.
He further stated that the discussion focused on the importance and necessity of restoring peace in Lebanon. Despite the prevailing concerns, he stressed that hope remains essential regarding the outcomes of negotiations and the opening of the door to long-awaited reforms in the country.