NNA – Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros Rahi met on Friday morning at Bkirki with the Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Mireille Girard, on a visit to discuss the Syrian refugees’ issue.
There was agreement during the meeting on the need to “exert efforts to consecrate peace in Syria for the welfare of the people of Syria and neighboring countries.”
On emerging, Girard said that the visit constituted an important opportunity to sound Patriarch Rahi on his reading of the current situation in the region, adding that talks also dwelt on inter-faith dialogue and coexistence amongst communities amidst the presence of Syrian refugees in the country.
In reply to a question, Girard stressed that the Syrian refugee issue is amongst the priorities of the international community and the United Nations, to secure their return to their homeland.
Girard also expressed her belief that the best solution in this regard lies in consecrating peace in Syria and the launching of political dialogue amongst all sides.
On the other hand, Patriarch Rahi met with Check Ambassador to Lebanon, who came on a protocol visit.
Later, Rahi met with Kataeb Party chief, MP Samy Gemayel, and former Minister, Selim Sayegh.
