Lebanese Ministry of Information
Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rahi received Caretaker Information, Minister Ziad Makary, at the summer patriarchal residence in Diman. Discussions reportedly focused on the presidential election and efforts to end the presidential vacuum, alongside other current issues.
During the meeting, Minister Makary presented the Patriarch with the book “Christians in Lebanon” by photojournalist Patrick Baz of Agence France-Presse. “We came to welcome the Patriarch in Diman, and the main topic we discussed is the pressing concern of electing a president. We agree with Patriarch al-Rahi that the presidential election should be a strictly Lebanese affair,” Minister Makary stated following the meeting.
“We appreciate the efforts of the quintet committee, which has been more active than the Lebanese themselves, but a resolution will only be reached through internal engagement. We call on political forces, especially the Christian factions primarily concerned with the election, to set aside their self-interest. Although the presidency belongs to all Lebanese, the Christian parties must take the initiative and present a serious candidate to Parliament against Sleiman Frangieh. This will compel others to participate and prevent quorum obstruction,” Makary added.
Regarding the situation in the south, Makary remarked, “Last week showed promising signs, but matters have since reverted to a stalemate. We hope the conflict does not escalate, as no one desires war, particularly given the anticipation of a prosperous summer with numerous expatriates and tourists expected in Lebanon.”
On the electricity crisis, Makaryn confirmed that a solution was in progress through Prime Minister’s engagement with Iraqi authorities. “The crisis will be resolved thanks to cooperation with the Iraqi government, which has been commendable in its agreement with the Lebanese government.”
NNA
