Paoli from Bkirki braces message of tolerance, coexistence

French Ambassador to Lebanon, Patrice Paoli, highlighted the need for upholding the message of tolerance, dialogue and coexistence, underlining that a solution cannot be reached through the exclusion or elimination of the other but rather through understanding. Ambassador Paoli was speaking in the wake of his visit on Thursday evening to Bkirki, where he met with Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros Rahi to discuss the latest on the regional arena. "Understanding and tolerance are essential matters," the French diplomat said, calling for advocating the message of loving and rapprochement amongst all the Lebanese regardless of their affiliations or beliefs. On emerging, Ambassador Paoli said that he expressed France's great concern over the current regional situation and its repercussions, especially the recent acts of violence and risks entailing Christians in the East. He underscored Lebanon as a role model of coexistence between the Muslims and Christians, stressing that "everyone should contribute in supporting the notions of tolerance and acceptance of the other."