NNA - MP Farid Haykal al-Khazen, on Saturday, stressed that “Bkirki is always right, and the words we heard against the Patriarchate are condemnable, as Bkirki is always keen on Lebanon, on the formula of coexistence in Lebanon and on the Lebanese entity."

He affirmed that Bkikri had proposed the basic notion of ​​a "Greater Lebanon" state entity; therefore, the Maronite Patriarch is surely aligned with that notion.

Al-Khazen's words came following his visit to Bkirki this afternoon, where he met with the Maronite Patriarch, Cardinal Beshara Boutros al-Rahi.

He said: “I met today with His Beatitude the Patriarch, whom I am always honored to meet, especially amidst the difficult circumstances that Lebanon is going through on several levels, particularly at the level of the war in the south, the political situation in Lebanon and the file of the displaced...Accordingly, it is necessary to consult with the Patriarch on these matters and hear his opinion on what serves Lebanon’s interests, for this is Patriarch al-Rahi and this is Bkirki....”

Regarding the confusion about al-Rahi’s relationship with the Shiite duo, the MP pointed out that he reviewed the issue with the Patriarch and quoted him as saying, “The weapons that the party possesses is the subject of major discussion and has caused a problem in the country...However, this does not amount to accusing the party of terrorism.” Al-Khazen indicated herein that the ambassador of a major super-power country had asked the Patriarch to describe Hezbollah as a "terrorist" which he absolutely rejected, asserting that "this is a Lebanese party and is far from terrorism..." He added that the Patriarch requested the implementation of international resolutions, and this may contribute to limiting Hezbollah’s carrying of weapons.

Asked about his role in any initiative, al-Khazen said: “I do not have any initiative, nor do I play the role of a mediator...I am the son of this edifice and it is my duty to hear His Excellency’s position on what is happening, especially since the Shiite component boycotted an important event in Bkirki...Yet, nothing prevents the holding of new meetings between the committee emanating from Bkirki and Hezbollah, as the intentions are sound.”

Regarding the war in the south, MP al-Khazen emphasized his position “against the war and the unity of the arenas." However, he stressed that it is not the time to settle scores between the Lebanese at this stage.

"Our mission is to unite, not divide, for Lebanon lives amidst many risks,” he concluded.

==========R.Sh.