His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al Rahi received businessman Bahaa Rafik Hariri this afternoon, on Monday, February 21, 2022, at his residence at the Maronite Institute in Rome. The Patriarch and Hariri tackled the situation in Lebanon, particularly in light of the deteriorating situation, the lack of actual solutions, and the spread of political, economic, and social crises.

The meeting was briefed by the need of respecting the Lebanese constitution and referring to it in political and national life, and therefore to fully abide by the Taif Agreement provisions, as well as the conduct of democratic and free parliamentary elections on time.

They also agreed on the need of maintaining international legitimacy and executing United Nations decisions, as well as developing Lebanon’s connections with all friendly nations, particularly Arab ones.

The meeting emphasized the significance of recognizing Lebanon’s neutrality, which is inherent in its existence and character, as well as the formation of a real Islamic-Christian cooperation that restores Lebanon to its pioneering position in dialogue, fraternity, and openness.