On Sunday, Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi expressed gratitude to nations for supporting the Lebanese Army in the conference hosted by France last week.
The conference included 20 participating countries, all of which pledged to support the Lebanese Army.
He called on those “who are keen on the military institution to mobilize all their energies to support it,” adding that it was time the Lebanese Army was recognized as the “only legitimate entity responsible for Lebanon’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.”
In his sermon, Al-Rahi once again blamed Lebanese officials for blocking the government formation. “We do not complain about the lack of powers, but rather the lack of responsibility,” he said.
He noted that the politicians’ media statements (their back-and-forth public bickering) are a portrayal of the “vast distance” between the political community and the people.