Patriarch Sfeir: Outside forces are obstructing the government’s formation
Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir said foreign interference, “whether from neighboring states or states that have interests in Lebanon,” is preventing the speedy formation of the government.
“The situation in Lebanon has been abnormal for a quarter of a century due to the interference of foreigners in the country’s internal affairs,” Sfeir said at a press conference in Melbourne, Australia.
He also noted that some Lebanese parties are seeking solutions to internal problems from outside parties, which “is a source of concern.”
Sfeir expressed hope that the situation in Lebanon will improve and get back to normal.
Commenting on criticism of Bkirki, Sfeir said that people are free to say whatever they want. “Maybe they don’t like our stances,” he said, but “Bkirki has always called for an independent, sovereign and free Lebanon.”
When asked about the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the FPM and Hezbollah, Sfeir abstained from commenting, but noted that circumstances do change.