The Patriarchal Vicar of the Maronite Archdiocese of Tripoli, Bishop Joseph Sweif, visited the residence of National Moderation Bloc member, MP Walid Badrini, in Fnaydeq al-Qammoua, as an envoy from Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai. He met with members of the bloc, including MPs: Saji Atiyeh, Ahmad al-Khair, Ahmad Rustum, and Abdul Aziz al-Samad, along with the bloc's former secretary, MP Hadi Habiche.
The bloc announced in a statement that "the attendees emphasized the importance of dialogue and understanding to address all outstanding issues, rather than adopting a rhetoric of escalation and incitement, as dialogue alone is capable of finding solutions. They called on all spiritual and national authorities to encourage the logic of dialogue."
Sweif affirmed that "we are all keen on electing a President of the Republic to restore the functioning of institutions in the country, as it is inconceivable for the nation to remain without leadership for such an extended period."
For his part, Badrini welcomed Sweif and the accompanying delegation on behalf of the bloc, underscoring "the importance of preserving coexistence in Lebanon and adhering to the unity of the country and society, away from division and separation projects." He reiterated the "commitment to the Taif Agreement and its implementation," stating: "As a bloc, we have participated in all sessions and will engage in any session, as our goal is to elect a President as soon as possible to end the state of disorder and vacancy in the country and to rebuild institutions so that the state becomes the sole reference, allowing its institutions to thrive and care for all Lebanese."
