MP Fouad Makhzoumi, President of the National Dialogue Party, accompanied by Political Adviser Carol Zouein, visited Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rai at the Patriarchal See in Bkerke. They discussed the general situation in Lebanon and the region.

Makhzoumi praised His Beatitude’s patriotic positions, which play a fundamental role in preventing strife, sparing Lebanon a civil war, and upholding the principles of sovereignty and reform. Noting that Lebanon is currently experiencing a war limited in geographical scope, he expressed surprise at the political class’s tendency to link regional developments to Lebanon’s internal affairs. He questioned what more was needed to elect a President of the Republic, particularly given the international and Arab support available to Lebanon to help it complete this constitutional milestone.

Makhzoumi stressed that restoring the proper functioning of state institutions, fulfilling MPs’ constitutional duties by electing a President of the Republic, and forming an effective government capable of initiating reforms are the cornerstones of any viable solution to rescue the country. He also condemned the third extension of the terms of municipal and mukhtar councils, describing it as yet another crime against the Lebanese people, who are suffering across economic, social, and living conditions.