Rahi: Lebanon Needs Peace, Strong Institutions, and Neutrality
Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros Rahi held a series of meetings at the patriarchal seat in Dimane on Tuesday, focusing on national sovereignty, security, education, and socioeconomic concerns.
Receiving Change Movement leader Elie Mahfoud and an accompanying delegation, Rahi stressed that peace and stability were essential to rescuing Lebanon, protecting its people and stemming emigration. He called for continued efforts to shield Lebanon from regional conflicts, saying that once peace was secured, efforts should continue internationally to raise the issue of Lebanon’s neutrality before the United Nations.
Mahfoud voiced support for President Joseph Aoun’s diplomatic efforts, while arguing that full sovereignty required both an end to Israeli occupation of Lebanese territory and exclusive state control over arms and decisions of war and peace.
Rahi separately met delegations from the Center for Educational Research and Development, the Chouf Economic Development Association and retirees, discussing education reform, coexistence and socioeconomic challenges.
He also received State Security Director General Major General Edgar Lawandos, who reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to combating corruption despite limited resources. Rahi, for his part, highlighted the mounting burden of the economic crisis, saying that people are exhausted.
