The Maronite bishops urged the parliamentarians to "take advantage of the positive regional and international indicators regarding the available opportunity to elect a new president of the republic." After their monthly meeting in Bkerke, chaired by Patriarch Bechara Rai and attended by the superiors general of the Maronite orders, they called on the officials to "establish a firm approach and procedures to implement the internationally required reforms, which would alleviate the severe burden of living conditions."
The final statement, read by the patriarchal deputy Antoine Aoukar, included the following:
1. The fathers call upon the honorable representatives to benefit from the positive regional and international indicators regarding the available space to elect a new head of state. They also urge them to avoid anything that might undermine the hopes of the Lebanese to escape the series of devastating crises affecting their lives deeply, with the core issue being the failure to complete the presidential election.
2. The fathers reiterate their warning about the consequences of the financial and economic decline, from which no facility or official or private sector will be spared. They urge the officials to establish a firm approach and procedures to implement the internationally required reforms that can alleviate the severe burden of living conditions.
3. The fathers express their astonishment at the political rhetoric supporting Lebanon's return to being entangled in armed regional conflicts, which have only brought death and destruction in the past. They appeal to the Lebanese to stand firmly and resolutely against this, in order to save the nation and its people.
4. The fathers follow with great concern the exacerbating Syrian displacement crisis and its consequences, including the increasing risks of conflicts between displaced persons and Lebanese citizens, and the mounting burdens on Lebanon, in addition to threats to its security and the safety of its citizens. They call for unifying the stance of all parties in the state and Lebanese society in confronting the poor international policy that demands Lebanon to bear the costs of a war in which it has no role. They expect a fundamental re-examination from the architects of this policy that would facilitate the return of Syrian refugees and ensure their dignified living in their homeland, freeing Lebanon from burdens it can no longer bear.
5. The fathers extend warm congratulations to workers on their day. They commemorate the martyrs of Lebanon and the martyrs of the Lebanese press, hoping that the holiday motivates for a better tomorrow, and that the remembrance serves as a moment of reflection toward a stable and prosperous nation.
6. In this month dedicated to honoring our Mother Mary, the fathers encourage their sons and daughters to intensify their prayers, charitable deeds, and assistance to the needy, asking God, through her intercession, to bless Lebanon and the world with security, prosperity, and peace.
