The Shepherd and Mikati Confirm No Sectarian Dimension to Daylight Saving Time Issue

Maronite Patriarch Beshara Al-Rahi expressed his satisfaction over the decision made during the Cabinet session regarding the return to Daylight Saving Time in a phone call with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati. Al-Rahi stated that "Lebanon needs wise decisions at this critical stage that unify the Lebanese and distance all forms of division among them." They emphasized the "necessity of transcending any differences in viewpoints with a unifying national spirit, away from any sectarian or factional criteria," and reiterated the importance of "not giving the issue of Daylight Saving Time any sectarian or factional dimension." They also agreed that "the primary gateway for the regular functioning of constitutional institutions is the election of a president for the republic." Al-Rahi and Mikati called on "all parties concerned with this entitlement to double their efforts to complete it as soon as possible."