The leader of the Marada party, Sleiman Frangieh accompanied by the deputy Fardi El Khazen visited Bkerki on Thursday where he discussed with the Maronite Patriarch Bishop Becharra al-Rahi the latest developments on the local scene, in particular with regard to the election of a head of state.

At the end of the interview, which was followed by a lunch, Mr. Sleiman Frangieh stressed his attachment to dialogue, stating moreover that "he does not patronize the Maronite patriarchate but the meetings of the committee which is sponsored by Bkerki". "The ideas mentioned by the duma do not represent us," he said, adding that he had received a visit from Bishop Najem and that he had informed him of these remarks on the content of the document.

He emphasized that "he works for the safety of Christians and not for their security, arguing that "their safety will be guaranteed by their openness".

Moreover, he stressed that any President of the Republic is in favor of the unity of weapons under legal authority but that it is necessary to start a dialogue to achieve this.

"I do what my conscience, my arabness, my Christianity and my patriotism dictate to me," he concluded.