NNA - President Michel Sleiman said Saturday after a mass held on Saint Maroun day in Gemmayzeh that he fully supported the visit of Patriarch Beshara Rahi to Syria, and rejected any attempts to politicize this trip.
Beirut Maronite Bishop Boulos Matar held a mass at Mar Maroun Church, which was attended by Sleiman and the First Lady, Wafaa, PM Najib Mikati, representative of House Speaker Nabih Berri, MP Abed al Lateef Zein, and a crowd of political and diplomatic figures.
"The Patriarch is the guardian of Maronites in Lebanon, Antioch and entire East, and along with the President forms a guarantee and assurance for all Christians of the East, just as Patriarch Youhana Yaziji's responsibility is not only for Syria, but also the rest of the countries including Lebanon," Sleiman said to the press.
"Hence, both men know the best interest of Christians and how to keep them rooted in their land...and I am pro this visit."
The President then answered a question concerning the much debated parliamentary electoral law, stating that dialogue was the only way to reach national consensus.
"An electoral law must be decreed which can bring reassurance to all."
During the sermon, Matar wished unity among all Lebanese to safeguard the country from strife.
"Citizens have a duty to look upon the state and army...with loyalty and respect, everywhere. And the state as well must look upon its citizens with love and care."
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Sleiman supports Rahi's visit to Syria, refuses its politicization
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