Al-Rahi from Australia: We Pray Army Will Preserve Security in Lebanon

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi voiced on Sunday his support for the Lebanese army, while condemning the attack against it in the northern city of Tripoli.

He said during his Sunday sermon: “We pray for the success of the military institution and security forces in preserving security and stability in Lebanon.”

He made his remarks during his ongoing trip to Sydney, Australia.

“We also pray for peace in Syria, Iraq, and the rest of the countries of the Middle East,” he added.

Moreover, al-Rahi reiterated his demand that officials stage the presidential elections and put an end to the presidential deadlock.

Lebanon has been without a president since May when the term of Michel Suleiman.

Ongoing disputes between the rival March 8 and 14 camps have thwarted the election of his successor.

The clashes in Tripoli erupted on Friday where two civilians and two gunmen were killed and around 20 troops and civilians were wounded.

For the past few months, the military has been coming under increasing armed attacks, mainly in northern Lebanon.