Neutrality at the core of an independent Lebanon, says Maronite Patriarch al-Rahi

27/02/2021

(See Translation in Arabic Section)

Sydney - M E Times Int'l:  MARONITE Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros al-Rahi addressed the crowds that flocked to Bkirki to show solidarity with the patriarch, emphasising that "'the essence of the independent Lebanese entity is neutrality".

“Historical experiences, ancient and modern, have proven that whenever some people side with a regional or international axis, the people are divided and wars break out. The essence of the independent Lebanese entity is neutrality. The great thing is to create a neutral entity in this East that constitutes a link between the peoples of the region and its civilizations, and a bridge of communication between East and West.

"You came to support the demand for an international conference on Lebanon. We, with you, did not demand it until after all other solutions reached a dead end, and we could not agree between us on the fate of our country. Even the concerned politicians were not able to sit at one table for dialogue and we were certain.

“We are facing a coup situation in every sense of the word; a coup case against Lebanese society and the cultural peculiarity our country represents. The National Accord Document approved by the Taif conference in 1989 was held under international and Arab sponsorship but it has not yet been fully implemented in its text and spirit; the constitution was amended on that basis and gaps appeared in it that affected the state life until it was paralysed.

"What do we want? We want the international conference to prove the Lebanese entity that is at risk and to re-establish its international borders.

“We want the international conference to renew support for the democratic system that expresses the Lebanese adherence to freedom, justice and equality. We want the international conference to declare Lebanon's neutrality so that it will no longer be a victim of conflicts and wars, a land of division thus it is based on the strength of balance, not on the balance of forces that warns of wars.

“We want the conference to take all measures to implement the international decisions concerning Lebanon, which have not been, or were partially, implemented. The implementation of these decisions would save Lebanon's independence and sovereignty, and allow the state to extend its legitimate authority over all Lebanese territories without any partnership or competition.

“We want the international conference to support the Lebanese army, to be the sole defender of Lebanon, capable of absorbing military capabilities through a legitimate defence system that adheres to the decision of war and peace.

“We want the international conference to resolve the establishment of a rapid implementation plan to prevent Palestinian resettlement and return displaced Syrians to their homes in safety. We do not want armies and camps from the international conference. We do not want to harm Lebanon’s existence and Lebanon’s borders are not subject to amendment.

“His Christian / Islamic partnership is untouchable, his democracy is irrevocable. His role is not subject to distortion, and his Lebanese identity cannot be falsified. Any development of the system, and this is the year of progress, should not be at the expense of what we have agreed on since the establishment of the state of Lebanon.

“Lebanon’s message is to be an example of peaceful human relations. No matter how long it takes, no one will succeed in eliminating this Lebanon and this message.

“The message that Saint Pope John Paul II spoke about from Lebanon, and His Holiness Pope Francis, who gives Lebanon a special importance, expressed in two successive messages and in his contacts with friendly countries support Lebanon.

"All that we are proposing, in terms of declaring Lebanon's neutrality and an international conference of its own, is to renew our free, sovereign, independent and stable existence. All we are proposing is to revive the dispersed, disrupted and confiscated Lebanese state.

“We liberated the land so let us liberate the state. Let us liberate it from everything. It impedes its authority and performance. The respectable state does not accept ambiguity, duplication and vulnerability.

“There are no two states or states on one land, and there are no armies or armies in one country. There are no two peoples or peoples in one nation. Any manipulation of these constants threatens the unity of the state. "

"We, the Lebanese, are called to approach ideas in a positive spirit away from negativity, especially when they come from this patriarchal edifice, because here we only think positively, and we only think nationally, and we only think about all Lebanese and Lebanese.

“The Lebanese are all our beloved. In this edifice, Christian and Muslim leaders commissioned Patriarch Elias Howayek to lead the Lebanese delegation to the Peace Conference in Versailles in 1919, to speak in the name of all the Lebanese and to demand the state of Greater Lebanon. Complete, completed and guaranteed by the states. "

Al-Rahi said: "Long live a united, neutral, active, positive, sovereign, independent, and loving Lebanon. You came from all across Lebanon despite the dangers of coronavirus to support two things: the proposal of neutrality and the launch of an international conference for Lebanon under the patronage of the United Nations. You came to demand the rescue of Lebanon, and together we shall save Lebanon!"

The Patriarch also hailed Lebanese watching on TV and gave a special salute to the Muslim clerics who were present in Bkirki on the day.

"The state veering away from the policy of neutrality is the reason for our current suffering, and experience proved that whenever some align themselves with a regional axis, wars break out and the state is divided," he underscored.

"We are with you in the call for an international conference for all other solutions reached a dead end and we have not been able to agree together on the fate of our country," he went on.

"The concerned politicians did not have the courage to sit at the same table to solve the nation's affairs, and let the state collapse and the people go hungry and be devastated; this we will not accept in any way," emphasised the Patriarch.

"Lebanon was established to be a bridge of communication between east and west, and choosing neutrality is to preserve the state of Lebanon in its current existence, its cultural and religious pluralism, its openness to all countries and its non-alignment."

Rahi reminded that "neutrality" was mentioned when the state of Lebanon was established, and in the addresses by presidents and an independent government.

NAHRA’S SPEECH

Mary Ange Nahra gave a speech on behalf of the organisers. She said: “Despite the spread of the coronavirus epidemic and the warnings related to it, if it were not for this epidemic, we would have been in this honourable edifice many times this number.

“In these painful circumstance in which we are living, let us stand by your side, in this inclusive national edifice that transcends all sects and affiliations, and urge you to demand your demand for the neutrality of an active Lebanon, and to hold an international conference under the supervision of the United Nations to save Lebanon in order for us to rally around a capable, fair, and strong state that gives us confidence and imposes its confidence on the international community, especially since Lebanon is a founding member of the Arab League.

"Your Excellency, your proposal is the salvation tree for every Lebanese who believes in his homeland just as it is the salvation tree for all components of the Lebanese people, from institutions, associations and parties, in pursuit of economic, social, educational, medical and tourism stability, for the sake of human development towards citizenship."

“For when this Lebanon collapses, we will all collapse, and no one will survive. No one is greater than Lebanon, and there is no authority above the authority of the strong and just state with all its institutions.

She added: "We are assured, Your Beatitude, that your proposal is not directed against any group or sect but rather directed at everyone who harbors evil for Lebanon and its people. We are Lebanon, our culture is Lebanese, and our country is Lebanon for all of its sons. We will not abandon us." Lebanon. Let the parties talk about their policies and leave religions to God. Stop hiding behind the sects and their rights for special gains and interests.

“As for Bkerke, Your Eminence, she is a serious national reference, who does not joke about fateful decisions. Bkerke remains cross-sectarian and supports the modern and developed civil state, stressing the separation of religion from the state."