The Metropolitan of Beirut and its Dependencies for the Greek Orthodox, Bishop Elias Audi, and the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, Elias Bo Saad, discussed "matters related to engagement with the state and some positions within the Orthodox community, especially in the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Culture among other ministries, which have been stalled for several years. There have been talks about resolving these issues and the necessary appointments according to the required balance," according to Bo Saad.
The two sides also talked about the political crisis in the country, the vacuum in the presidency, and the paralysis of the parliamentary council in electing a president of the republic as well as a government that can act. Bo Saad stated: "This is not a resigned government nor a caretaker government because the situation is exceptional and requires responsible officials to bear the responsibility. Our only goals today are the greater national objectives. I do not currently see an understanding for electing a president of the republic despite everything happening and all we hear in the media. Rather, we are heading towards a maximum month, if we do not elect a president, all the countries that have been helping or facilitating or intervening to ease the presidential election will become concerned with their internal elections, which may lead the current parliamentary council's term to end without electing a president. If this council does not elect a president, parliamentary elections will not take place in the future."
Bo Saad continued: "We might see requests and proposed laws for extending the current parliament in front of the citizens. This indicates that the state is on the path to ruin. This is not the first time I have raised this cry. I repeat that I do not see solutions on the horizon, however, we will not lose hope. In certain circumstances, when the officials realize the existing danger, each of them may start thinking about national responsibility before all other considerations related to parties or blocs or anything else."
Regarding the situation in the south and the ongoing conflict there, he stated: "We are a people that do not want war and do not believe in war. We want a prosperous Lebanon. However, the daily Israeli aggressions that are escalating could lead to a war that the Lebanese can do without." He added: "What is happening currently in the south is a form of escalation without reaching a comprehensive war. This escalation and war of attrition are causing harm to the citizens and to the economy while we are in the summer season. All Lebanese visit Lebanon during this period, therefore we hope that what is happening in Gaza, as we hear, is nearing its end and translates in southern Lebanon so that the Israeli aggressions stop and the Lebanese citizens can return to their villages in the south and to their farms and that a solution is found for the issue on the borders. The diplomatic solution alone will lead us to salvation."
