Al-Rahi Travels to Geneva, Says New President Should be Honorable
Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi on Monday traveled to Switzerland on a five-day official visit, reiterating his call for the election of an “honorably” strong president.
Al-Rahi, who headed to Geneva, was accompanied by Bishop Boulos Matar and Bkirki spokesman Walid Ghayyad.
The patriarch is expected during his five-day trip to give a lecture, and meet with U.N. peace envoy Lakhdar Brahimi and Lebanese community members in Geneva.
Al-Rahi reiterated to reporters before traveling to Geneva that Lebanon is in need for a president who is “strong in his morals ... and his impartiality.”
The new president should “believe in the state and bring back its dignity,” he said at Rafik Hariri International Airport.
He should also help the state institutions regain their role and have strong ties with the international community, including Arab countries, al-Rahi added.
The patriarch thanked Speaker Nabih Berri for the efforts he is exerting to hold the presidential elections.
But he urged him to call for a parliamentary session as soon as possible.
The legislature is yet to convene to elect a successor to President Michel Suleiman whose six-year term ends on May 25.
Only Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea has officially announced his candidacy although there are many contenders, including his rival Free Patriotic Movement chief MP Michel Aoun.
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