A delegation from the Independent Consultative Meeting, including MPs Ibrahim Kanaan, Alain Aoun, and Simon Abi Ramia, met with Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros Rahi at the Patriarchal seat in Bkerke.
Following the meeting, MP Kanaan said the delegation was honored to meet the Patriarch, especially in light of recent developments, stressing that solidarity with the Patriarch is solidarity with Lebanon and all its components. He said the Patriarch embodies the historical role of Bkerke in the establishment of Lebanon, dating back to Patriarch Elias Hoayek and the creation of Greater Lebanon in 1920, adding that Bkerke has consistently upheld national constants aimed at saving and protecting the country.
Kanaan added that when the Patriarch speaks of neutrality, he refers to neutrality from violence, conflict, and regional axes that have turned Lebanon into a battleground for external interests, describing this as a long-standing cause of destruction and instability. When he calls for a state, he means a unified state for all Lebanese, without sectarian ownership, stressing that either there is a state or there is none, and either legitimacy exists or it does not.
He noted that these are the principles upheld by Bkerke, which remains deeply affected by developments in the south, including displacement and systematic destruction.
Kanaan also called for reflection and unity, asking whether Lebanon seeks a solution or continued crisis, and whether surrendering national decisions to external parties serves the country’s interest. He emphasized the importance of negotiations to recover land, ensure the return of displaced persons, and safeguard Lebanon’s dignity under the authority of the presidency, the state, the army, and the government.
He concluded by expressing hope that prayers and national efforts would help Lebanon emerge from its crisis, recover from ongoing destruction, and restore stability and the return of displaced residents to their villages.
Following the meeting, MP Kanaan said the delegation was honored to meet the Patriarch, especially in light of recent developments, stressing that solidarity with the Patriarch is solidarity with Lebanon and all its components. He said the Patriarch embodies the historical role of Bkerke in the establishment of Lebanon, dating back to Patriarch Elias Hoayek and the creation of Greater Lebanon in 1920, adding that Bkerke has consistently upheld national constants aimed at saving and protecting the country.
Kanaan added that when the Patriarch speaks of neutrality, he refers to neutrality from violence, conflict, and regional axes that have turned Lebanon into a battleground for external interests, describing this as a long-standing cause of destruction and instability. When he calls for a state, he means a unified state for all Lebanese, without sectarian ownership, stressing that either there is a state or there is none, and either legitimacy exists or it does not.
He noted that these are the principles upheld by Bkerke, which remains deeply affected by developments in the south, including displacement and systematic destruction.
Kanaan also called for reflection and unity, asking whether Lebanon seeks a solution or continued crisis, and whether surrendering national decisions to external parties serves the country’s interest. He emphasized the importance of negotiations to recover land, ensure the return of displaced persons, and safeguard Lebanon’s dignity under the authority of the presidency, the state, the army, and the government.
He concluded by expressing hope that prayers and national efforts would help Lebanon emerge from its crisis, recover from ongoing destruction, and restore stability and the return of displaced residents to their villages.
