The Patriarchal residence in Bkerke witnessed extensive activity yesterday, marked by the general meeting presided over by His Beatitude Patriarch Khreish and attended by the heads of political parties, Maronite parliamentary blocs, and the superiors of religious orders.
Additionally, several side meetings were held, many of which were attended by Syrian Foreign Minister Mr. Abdel Halim Khaddam, Syrian Chief of Staff General Hikmat al-Shihabi, former President Camille Chamoun, and Sheikh Pierre Gemayel.
In addition to the statement issued after the meeting and the remarks by Minister Khaddam emphasizing that efforts are focused on eliminating all signs of disagreement between brothers, there were also “secret resolutions.” It was reported that these included the Patriarch undertaking external visits and the formation of a coordination committee to ensure the implementation of the statement’s provisions aimed at unifying positions, effectively creating a unified political leadership.
Sources among the attendees mentioned that Patriarch Khreish emphasized the unity of Lebanon, stating: “We are talking about a nation, not division. When we discuss national matters and matters of destiny, we must all set aside political issues and personal disputes.”
Mr. Khaddam’s talks with His Beatitude the Patriarch covered the decisions that could emerge from the Bkerke meeting. Mr. Khaddam expressed his hope that the participants would allow room for continued mediation and efforts toward a political solution in whatever decisions they make.
