Rai: We Condemn the Accusations Against the Army Institution

The Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai addressed the political leaders entrusted with the public good from Rome, urging them "to exercise their duty in legislation, action, administration, judiciary, security, stability, economic revival, and to ensure that the human person, their dignity, and rights are at the forefront of their concerns." He pointed out that "the international community is drowning Lebanon by protecting over two million Syrian refugees, not counting daily births. The international community provides for their livelihood, food, and clothing, and opposes their return to Syria for political reasons related to international politics towards the regime in Syria, while Lebanon and the Lebanese are charged for their humanity." He noted that "it is known that the cost of the Syrian displacement to Lebanon since the beginning of the war in Syria has reached 49 billion and 690 million dollars, of which the international community only contributed 12 billion dollars, forcing the Lebanese state to cover the difference, which is about 48 billion dollars. It is necessary to put an end to this by facilitating the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland to preserve their land, culture, and dignity." He stated: "We see our security institutions, led by the Lebanese Army, being criticized despite their sacrifices to ensure civil peace and protect the interior and borders in the most difficult circumstances. We value their efforts, sacrifices, and unity, especially when politicians imposed a vertical division on the country. We condemn the accusations directed at the army institution and call for its respect, support, and encouragement, as it is the only safety valve for the homeland."