Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Raï received the head of the Marada Movement, Suleiman Franjieh, MP Fred Hayek Al-Khazen, and Monsignor Estephan Franjieh in Bkerke during the afternoon. After the meeting, Franjieh confirmed that "there is no dispute between us and Bkerke; the relationship is transparent, clear, and based on love and respect." He elaborated, "We boycotted a committee that met under the Patriarch's patronage, but we did not boycott Bkerke, and we are open to all dialogue. If a document is issued from Bkerke that aligns with our convictions, we will support it."
He noted, "Any dialogue we are officially invited to attend, we will be present, but we do not attend bilateral dialogues that aim at marginalization," adding, "We committed from the first day of the election of Patriarch Raï to inform him of everything candidly." He continued, "I do not see my candidacy as undermining the democratic process; rather, it consolidates it, and I am the only candidate with a clear background."
Regarding the absence of Saudi Ambassador Walid Bukhari from the quintet meeting in Bnachii, Franjieh said, "His excuse is valid; it is his right, and our home is open to everyone, especially Saudi Arabia, and 'welcome to him whenever he comes to his home.'"
