The Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai affirmed that "dialogue with those present is pointless" and emphasized the need to know what the discussions will entail. He stated that organizing consecutive meetings is easier since there are two names and other names, and if a president is not elected, then a third name will be sought, while he has no knowledge of the decision of the five-member committee.
In an interview with MTV during his visit to Australia, Rai questioned, "Why are we wasting time as the state is disintegrating, the people are starving, and the Syrians have invaded Lebanon while we are still without a president?" He clarified that "the Syrian displaced people make up more than half of the Lebanese population and pose the greatest danger to Lebanon, and we are living on the edge of a volcano."
Rai observed that "the international indifference is due to the failure to facilitate the return of the Syrians to their homeland, as the international community ties their return to the presence of Assad in power." He added, "We know who is hindering the process and, as a Christian, I ask how you hinder the Christian role in Lebanon? Why is the Maronite element being marginalized?"
In response to a question about his opinion on the dialogue between the Free Patriotic Movement and Hezbollah, Rai stated: "I am not in favor of bargaining, and why waste time?"
