Lebanese President Michel Sleiman defended on Thursday Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi’s recent statements.

Lebanese President Michel Sleiman defended on Thursday Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi’s recent statements, saying that they stem from his role as the representative of Christians in Lebanon and the region.

He said after holding talks with the Patriarch in Diman: “The Patriarch succeeded in voicing to the French state the Christians’ concerns over sectarian tensions and the naturalization of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon.”

“His positions fall in Lebanon’s favor,” he added.

“They don’t need further explanations and we shouldn’t heed various interpretations of the statements he issued from France,” stated the president.

“The Patriarch’s stances cannot be employed for political gain and they don’t need to be justified,” Sleiman concluded.

Sleiman met with al-Rahi in a protocol visit ahead of the prelate’s return to Bkirki.

A controversy created over al-Rahi’s statements he made from France when he allegedly linked the fate of Hezbollah’s arms to the liberation of occupied Lebanese territories.

He also said that the international community should pressure Israel to withdraw from the Shebaa Farms area.

Lebanese Premier Najib Miqati is scheduled to visit Diman on Friday.