A delegation from the “Neutral Lebanon Gathering” visited Bkirki this Friday to meet with Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Rahi and discuss his call for neutrality and what the international conference may offer in this regard, declaring its solidarity with Rahi, and a “readiness to assist in the files under preparation to devise an optimal solution to the Lebanese crisis”.

The Maronite Patriarch explained his principles regarding neutrality and the international conference, most notably that “all local solutions and endeavors have been exhausted without leading to the desired outcome. (…) Therefore, it was necessary to go to the international community, and this is a legitimate matter for Lebanon – a founding member of the United Nations”.

“If our country is to play the role of a gathering ground for civilizations and dialogue, how can it do that if it is not neutral but is biased towards one team against another?” he wondered.