Rahi calls for solidarity and reconciliation

Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Beshara Boutros Rahi chaired the ceremonial mass Sunday in St. Maron Cathedral in Zahle while on a two-day pastoral visit. The Patriarch called on the people of Zahle to continue their efforts towards reconciliation and unity in their city and in the Bekaa. "We urge those responsible to combine their efforts with yours. Your unity, solidarity and vigilance will anchor stability in Zahle and it will shun the impact of local and regional events, including Syria," he said. "We invite you to preserve your land, your identity and history. We want you to invest in your land instead of selling it," he added. He praised displaced Syrian and the Lebanese who took them in, wishing the speedy return of refugees to their country. "We call on the parties involved in the conflict in Syria to stop their war, to renounce weapons and launch dialogue to find peaceful and just solutions for all. We call on regional and international countries that fuel the conflict by incentives and sending weapons to stop their heinous acts, which are a mark of shame for humanity. We urge them to stop the injustice against innocent victims, who are paying the price of conflict and provocation policies," concluded the Patriarch.