Lebanon’s Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai affirmed Sunday that he stands by Lebanese people of the south to denounce the tense security situation, calling on the army to prevent the launching of missiles from Lebanese territory.
During Sunday’s Mass in Diman, Rai condemned the periodic Israeli violations against southern Lebanon, and the violation of Security Council Resolution 1701, as well as the heated tension in the border areas of residential villages and their surroundings.
“We cannot accept that a party decides peace and war outside the national decision entrusted to two-thirds of the cabinet and based on Article 65 of the Constitution,” he noted.
"It is true that Lebanon has not signed peace with Israel, but it is also true that Lebanon has not decided war with it, and is officially committed to the 1949 truce.”
The Patriarch stressed that Lebanon should not be involved in military operations that provoke devastating Israeli reactions.
"We call upon the Lebanese army, which is responsible with the international forces for the security of the south, to take control of the entire lands of the south, to strictly implement Resolution 1701, and to prevent the launching of missiles from Lebanese territory, not for the sake of Israel's safety, but rather for the safety of Lebanon,” he added.
