Patriarch al-Rahi: Neutrality Activates Lebanon’s Role and Does Not Mean Withdrawing from International Organizations

And positioning Lebanon as a partner in finding solutions 

The Maronite Patriarch, Cardinal Bechara Boutros al-Rahi, presided over the Sunday Mass at the Notre-Dame Church in the patriarchal seat of Bkerké.

The prelate remarked that Lebanese society was pleased with the confidence placed in Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s government, which received 95 votes.

"This reflects the trust of the Lebanese people and foreign nations, as well as their trust in the person of the President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun."

He stressed that it is their responsibility to build on this trust through reforms, reconstruction, economic recovery, the revival of public institutions from within, the establishment of the state and its institutions, and the reconciliation of the Lebanese people based on belonging to a single homeland, with equality for all. This is in line with Article 1 (A) of the Constitution’s preamble, which states that all Lebanese must be loyal to this one homeland.

He added that the next step is to move towards the declaration of positive neutrality in all its forms.

Al-Rahi clarified that neutrality does not mean withdrawing from the "Arab League," the "Organization of Islamic Cooperation," or the "United Nations," but rather it alters and strengthens Lebanon’s role within these organizations and beyond, positioning Lebanon as a partner in finding solutions instead of remaining a victim of conflicts and disputes.