Rahi from Baabda: “There Will Be No War”
12/8/2025 11:50:00 AM
Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Rahi stressed that there is “no truth to anything being said about a rift between Bkerke and the Presidency of the Republic,” describing such claims as “shameful and disgraceful,” and affirming that “the President’s position ranks higher than that of the Patriarch.”
Following his meeting with President Joseph Aoun at Baabda Palace, Rahi ruled out the possibility of war, noting that the Lebanese Army “is fulfilling its duties south of the Litani” and that he sees no reason for concern, “especially since the Americans have leverage over the Israelis.” He added that Lebanon is “living in an era of negotiation and diplomacy,” saying the Pope’s recent visit “ushered in the dawn of peace,” and that “the age of wars, conflicts, and clashes is behind us, and the time for negotiation has begun.”
Commenting on the political party’s position regarding the talks, Rahi said the negotiations “do not imply an agreement,” explaining that the current discussions are preliminary and that the party “will not be sidelined” and has every right to express its view.
The Patriarch also described the launch of negotiations as a positive development, praising Ambassador Simon Karam as “an excellent figure for this mission.”
Following his meeting with President Joseph Aoun at Baabda Palace, Rahi ruled out the possibility of war, noting that the Lebanese Army “is fulfilling its duties south of the Litani” and that he sees no reason for concern, “especially since the Americans have leverage over the Israelis.” He added that Lebanon is “living in an era of negotiation and diplomacy,” saying the Pope’s recent visit “ushered in the dawn of peace,” and that “the age of wars, conflicts, and clashes is behind us, and the time for negotiation has begun.”
Commenting on the political party’s position regarding the talks, Rahi said the negotiations “do not imply an agreement,” explaining that the current discussions are preliminary and that the party “will not be sidelined” and has every right to express its view.
The Patriarch also described the launch of negotiations as a positive development, praising Ambassador Simon Karam as “an excellent figure for this mission.”