Maronite Patriarch pays historic visit to Baalbek, says he will echo voice of Imam Moussa Sadr

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi paid on Saturday a historic visit to Baalbek, where he vowed to echo the same principles of Imam Moussa al-Sadr, and urged the Lebanese to unite and reject being the followers of other countries. He also reiterated commitment to the rules of co-existence between Muslims and Christians.

Patriarch Rahi pointed to the value of the land, and said the land is the identity of each person and family. He urged the Lebanese not to sell their lands, and warned that selling the land is the same as selling the culture, identity, heritage and future. “No matter what the reasons are, properties should not be sold,” he stressed.

The Maronite Patriarch said he supported all sects without any discrimination, and hinted his visit to Baalbek was aimed at honoring all confessions. “We, Muslims and Christians, call for a huge message delivered by Lebanon to the whole world,” he said, as he urged all Lebanon to overcome their differences and conflicts. “Let’s overcome our differences and conflicts and … build a beautiful nation,” he added.

During his trip, Patriarch Rahi rejected violence, and said he would be “the echoing voice of Imam Moussa al-Sadr.”

Patriarch Rahi arrived to the town of Hadath Baalbeck at 8.40 am, 20 minutes earlier than scheduled. He was received by MPs Emil Rahme and Ghazi Zeaiter, in addition to the region’s officials and heads of municipalities.

Addressing the Patriarch, MP Ghazi Zeaiter said he was in Baalbek at his home and between his people, as Baalbek is the region of partnership, a slogan which was raised by Rahi after he was elected as patriarch.