Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi expressed concern Wednesday over Lebanon's deviation from its role, warning of linking it to the armed and sectarian clashes in the region.

“Due to violations of the Constitutional and the National Pact, we are witnessing Lebanon's deviation, which reached the maximum by obstructing the presidential elections and by linking the armed and sectarian clashes in the region with the polls,” al-Rahi said at the opening of the annual retreat of the Synod of Maronite Bishops.

“It is painful to see Lebanon deviating from its role as a nation for coexistence, equality between Muslims and Christians, and as a system based on freedom and democracy,” he added.

He called on political leaders to return to their conscience and “realize the harm inflicted against Lebanon, its people and institutions.”

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