Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi stressed on Sunday that the army guarantees Lebanon's security and sovereignty, while condemning the spread of arms outside the state's authority.

He said during his Sunday sermon: “The illegitimate weapons pose a threat to the army and other security agencies in Lebanon.”

“We demand a defense strategy for Lebanon and an end to the phenomenon of autonomous security,” he added.

Furthermore, he called for unity in Lebanon in order to resolve the crisis over the formation of a new government. The government should include all powers and be able to revive constitutional institutions, declared al-Rahi. He condemned officials for stalling in the government formation, saying: “You have no right to tamper with Lebanon's fate and you are violating the nation, its people, and institutions.” [Link]