Ahead of al-Rahi Trip, U.S. Says Christians Choices Not Limited to Autocracy or Extremism
The United States considers the ongoing popular protests in Syria and a number of Arab countries as “a reflection of the ambitions of these countries’ peoples, their aspiration for freedom and democracy, and their adherence to all of their political and civil rights,” a western diplomatic source stressed.
In an interview with Naharnet, the source noted that “the U.S. administration believes it is Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi’s right to express the concerns and aspirations of his community during this period.
“But it is looking forward to understanding his vision and the vision of those he represents with regard to addressing these concerns on the basis of a future perspective and common vision with all those concerned domestically and internationally about helping the peoples of the region to achieve freedom, democracy, stability and prosperity,” the source clarified.
“According to this approach, the U.S. administration welcomes what it believes will be a primarily pastoral visit Patriarch al-Rahi will make to the Maronites in the U.S., and welcomes a constructive dialogue on how the Christian community can move forward in supporting the aspirations of the peoples of the region,” the diplomat added.
The U.S. administration also hopes the patriarch will “stress his interest in these legitimate goals” during the visit, the Western diplomatic source went on to say.
“Christians and their representatives must leave behind the state of anxiety over the future and their fate through contributing to the efforts exerted to achieve freedom of expression and democracy. The U.S. believes that the Arab peoples’ realization of their legitimate rights includes the guaranteeing of religious freedom and the protection of minorities in all fields,” the source noted.
“Patriarch al-Rahi has stressed, during the past weeks and on more than one occasion, the right of the Christians to exist in this region, and we share his opinion and support it, not only concerning the Christians but also concerning all sects. But what we hope to hear from Patriarch al-Rahi is his viewpoint on how the Christians can play a positive role in achieving freedom and guaranteeing their existence,” the source added.
“The true achievement of the goal of freedom of expression and belief is in the hands of the people of the region,” continued the official.
“The Christians therefore have to present their views and mechanism through which they can maintain their freedom and existence,” said the source.
“The United States believes that real stability and freedoms cannot be achieved by an oppressive regime claiming to protect minorities,” the official stated.
These goals should be accomplished by all components of society “through reaching an agreement that calls for the establishment of a political system based on freedom and democracy,” noted the diplomat.
“Al-Rahi has repeatedly said that the statements he made in France were misinterpreted and therefore the American administration is hoping that his visit to the U.S. would be an opportunity for him to join the ranks of those who are playing a positive role in shaping the future of the region,” stressed the source.
This future calls for Christians to play an effective role in the region, without having to choose between dictatorial regimes and extremists, remarked the western official.
“False choices do not serve Christians or minorities in Syria and other countries in the region,” added the diplomat.
Asked if al-Rahi may meet with high-ranking U.S. officials such as President Barack Obama or Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, he replied: “The United States looks forward to constructive dialogue with the Patriarch.”
On whether Washington expects al-Rahi to issue a specific stand ahead of his trip, the western diplomat responded: “It’s natural that the Patriarch would visit his communities in South Lebanon and like others we will listen to what he says. He has spent a lot of time in the past few days stressing that his previous statements were misinterpreted.”
“The American administration does not link the program of the visit (to the U.S.) to the patriarch’s statements, but looks forward to taking part in a serious dialogue over the role of Christians and their future in the region,” the official told Naharnet.
“The patriarch has spoken at length about his concerns over the Christians and we look forward to see how he will lead his sect amid these developments,” the source said.
Source: Naharnet
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