Sfeir Heads to Rome, Backs Liberation of Land within Lebanon’s Natural Boundaries
Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir on Sunday wished Premier-designate Najib Miqati success in forming the government and stressed support for the liberation of land within Lebanon’s natural boundaries.
“We wish him (Miqati) success and congratulate anyone who has been tasked with forming the new cabinet,” Sfeir said at Rafik Hariri international airport before heading to Rome to participate in the unveiling of the statue of Saint Maroun in Saint Peter’s square.
He said it was the March 14 alliance’s choice whether it wanted to participate in the cabinet or not.
Asked if he supported the liberation of the Upper Galilee in case of an Israeli attack on Lebanon, the patriarch said: “We support liberation … within natural boundaries.”
Hizbullah's leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah told the party’s fighters on Wednesday “to be ready for a day when, if war is imposed on us, your command might ask you to control the Galilee area."
The Galilee refers to northern Israel, near the border with Lebanon.
In response to another question, Sfeir expected his resignation to be accepted by the Vatican. “We will welcome the new patriarch no matter who he is.”
Sfeir submitted his resignation to the Vatican late last year, but it remains unknown whether the election of a new patriarch, if Sfeir’s resignation is accepted, will take place before or after the election of a number of Maronite bishops to replace those who have reached the retirement age of 75.
The bishops who have reached retirement age could still vote to elect a new patriarch as long as their successors have not been appointed.
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