Report: Berri, Miqati not in Rome over Rejection to Become 'Accessories'

إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية W460

Disagreement on the Lebanese official delegation's participation in Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi's appointment as cardinal in Rome prevented the attendance of Speaker Nabih Berri and Premier Najib Miqati, al-Liwaa daily reported on Saturday.

The newspaper said that both Berri and Miqati refused to become “accessories” and wait in line following Suleiman's insistence to hold separate talks with Pope Benedict XVI on the eve of the ceremony.

A similar scenario had taken place during the pope's visit to Beirut in September, al-Liwaa said.

Following the disagreement, Suleiman decided to attend Saturday's ceremony alone, it added.

Around 1,500 Lebanese personalities have arrived in the Vatican from Lebanon and other countries to attend the elevation of al-Rahi and five other prelates during the ceremony at St. Peter's Basilica.

Suleiman met on Friday with Benedict XVI, who emphasized the importance of dialogue as a means of solving problems among Lebanon's bickering politicians.

The pope also urged them to strengthen stability so that Lebanon remains “a model of interaction despite the difficulties” in the region.

Comments 7
Thumb geha 24 November 2012, 08:50

the PRESIDENT IS THE president!
what do these two want? they should learn to respect protocol.

Thumb andre.jabbour 24 November 2012, 12:53

This article is no news, just another layer of shame brought onto the Lebanese worldwide. courtesy of Miqati/Berri.

Thumb thefool 24 November 2012, 15:32

I agree with everybody else here. I'm glad we have a house in agreement.

Thumb thefool 24 November 2012, 15:37

Though it would have been nice having Mikati & Berri, all united for the sake of Lebanon, our unity in commemorating Our new Cardinal.

Thumb Chupachups 25 November 2012, 04:00

exactly

Default-user-icon Lelibanoue (Guest) 25 November 2012, 04:04

There are more important things to work on in Lebanon, then to go on holidays to Rome. Time wasted, simply put.

Missing greatpierro 26 November 2012, 13:13

of course he can't be invited to Mecca as he is an infidèle or a Kafer.