NNA - The people must hold the state accountable, said Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rahi during his sermon Sunday from Beit Shabab.



The second day of the Patriarch's visit to the Parish of Antelias began Sunday at the Congregation of Saint Joseph Fraykeh, where Rahi placed the corner stone of the new church and blessed the project. Rahi then went to the town of Beit Shabab.



"Political work is an ethical and noble art at its core, and does not fit corruption and arrogance," said Rahi as he called on all politicians to resort back to their conscience and end the country's stalemate.


He warned of social and economic dangers that face the Lebanese people due to political bickering among rival factions.


"We strongly condemn, in the name of the oppressed Lebanese people, this unjust act and maltreatment of the country's potentials and consider it treason against the people who delegated the service of the country [to those politicians]."


Once more, Cardinal Rahi called for the formation of cabinet the soonest possible, as well as the agreement over a new electoral law so that parliamentary elections could be held promptly and presidential elections could take place on the constitutional due date.


Within this context, he also called for an effective address of the issue of displaced Syrians, with all its economic, political, educational and security implications.


==============R.Z.