Maronite Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rahi pointed out that the Lebanese were witnessing with pain and anger the outbreak of ugly media campaigns, between different political references and forces, at a time when the country seeks calm and cooperation.

"These campaigns will create a tense atmosphere that would negatively affect the psyche of steadfast citizens despite the difficulties, stability, economy, money, reforms and constitutional entitlements: the formation of a new government and the election of a new president of the republic within the constitutional deadline,” al-Rahi said during his weekly sermon.

“If the intentions were sound and sincere, it would have been possible to address any political dispute through moral dialogue, wisdom and a constructive spirit away from criminalization and personal abuse, but what we see is that the goal of these campaigns is to fold the government formation project and circumvent the holding of presidential elections,” he noted.

Rahi stressed that the Lebanese of good will and the international and Arab community were determined to confront these destructive attempts, and to secure the election of a new President of the Republic capable of facing challenges.

“While we are aware of all the difficulties surrounding the process of forming a new government, these difficulties should be a catalyst for the Prime minister-designate to renew his efforts to form a government, and put everyone before their national responsibilities,” he affirmed.

"It is shameful for the political authority to make efforts to reach an agreement with Israel on the maritime borders, and in return refrain from forming a government," the patriarch added. 

"Has it become easier for the state to agree with Israel, than to agree on a government among the Lebanese?," Rahi asked.