The President of the National Accord Party, Bilal Takieddine, affirmed that neutrality is an illusion and a term without meaning.
The National News Agency reported earlier on a tweet from Bilal Takieddine's Twitter account which stated: "The illusion is called neutrality; neutrality is a word without meaning, and if it had a meaning, it would have aligned with it! A word against itself, its presence necessitates its absence, and if that is true, then neutrality has aligned with integrity." Takieddine's comments came in response to remarks made by Maronite Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rahi, who stated before crowds gathered in Bkirki to demand a special international conference for Lebanon at the United Nations that the state's departure from a policy of neutrality is the reason behind Lebanon's suffering. He noted that whenever some align with a regional axis, wars erupt and the state becomes divided, asserting that the essence of an independent Lebanese entity is neutrality.
Al-Rahi emphasized that the state's departure from neutrality is responsible for Lebanon's plight, asserting that every time some align with a regional axis, wars break out and the state divides, reiterating that the essence of an independent Lebanese entity is neutrality. He stated, "Long live Lebanon, one and unified, an active and positive neutral state that is sovereign and independent, through partnership and love. You came from all over Lebanon, despite the dangers of COVID-19, to support two matters: the proposal for neutrality and the call for an international conference specifically for Lebanon under the auspices of the United Nations. You came to demand the rescue of Lebanon, and together we will rescue Lebanon."
In his speech, Al-Rahi outlined the demands he wants from the international conference, which include affirming the Lebanese entity seriously at risk, confirming its international borders, supporting Lebanon's democratic system, and declaring Lebanon's neutrality, so it does not become a victim of conflicts and no longer a land of wars and divisions.
Al-Rahi called for the conference to take all necessary measures to implement the relevant international resolutions regarding Lebanon that have not been fully executed or have been partially implemented to establish its independence and sovereignty, so that the state can assert its authority over all Lebanese territories without any partnership or competition. Additionally, he called for support for the Lebanese Army to be the sole defender of Lebanon and for a rapid executive plan to prevent the settlement of Palestinians and ensure the safe return of Syrian refugees.
