The Maronite Patriarch, Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Raï, reaffirmed that the state's deviation from a policy of neutrality is the reason for Lebanon's current struggles. He noted that whenever some align with regional axes, wars erupt and the state becomes divided, emphasizing that "the essence of the independent Lebanese entity is neutrality."
The National News Agency reported moments ago on a speech delivered by Cardinal Raï before the crowds that gathered in Bkerké to support the positions of Bkerké concerning a special international conference for Lebanon under the auspices of the United Nations. He asserted that the state's departure from a neutrality policy is the root cause of Lebanon's suffering, pointing out that every time some align with a regional axis, wars ignite and the state divides. He stated, "Long live unified Lebanon, an active and positive neutral sovereign and independent entity built on community and love."
He acknowledged the presence of crowds from all over Lebanon, despite the dangers posed by COVID-19, to support two key initiatives: the proposal for neutrality and the call for an international conference specifically for Lebanon under the UN's patronage. He declared, "You came to demand the rescue of Lebanon, and together we will rescue Lebanon."
In his speech, Raï outlined the demands he hopes to see from the international conference, which include reaffirming the Lebanese entity that is seriously at risk, establishing its international borders, supporting Lebanon's democratic system, and declaring Lebanon’s neutrality, ensuring it no longer becomes a victim of conflicts nor a land of wars and divisions.
Raï demanded that the conference take all necessary measures to implement the relevant international resolutions concerning Lebanon, which have been either partially implemented or not at all, to affirm Lebanon's independence and sovereignty, allowing the state to exercise its authority over all Lebanese territory without any partnership or competition. Furthermore, he called for support for the Lebanese army to be the sole defender of Lebanon and urged for a swift execution plan to prevent the settlement of Palestinians and to ensure the safe return of Syrian displaced persons.
He continued by stressing that development does not mean negating or canceling constitutional charters, but rather improving them in their ambiguous aspects. He said, "It is our right to live a decent life in our homeland. We were born to live in meadows of lasting peace, not in fields of perpetual war. It is in human destiny to create friends and not enemies."
Raï noted Pope Francis's interest in Lebanon, a matter he treats with special importance, as expressed through messages and communications. He stated, "Lebanon is the message that Pope John Paul II proclaimed from Lebanon."
The Patriarch emphasized that what is proposed today is to renew our free, sovereign, independent, and stable existence, and to revive the fragmented and obstructed state. "We liberated the land, let's liberate it from everything that hinders its authority and performance," he pointed out, mentioning that "there cannot be two states or multiple armies on one land, nor two peoples in one homeland, and any manipulation of these constants threatens the unity of the state."
He also greeted everyone watching via television who wished to be with them, specifically honoring the Muslim religious leaders present with him.
