Shepherd: Lebanese identity threatened

The Maronite Patriarch, Cardinal Mar Bashar Boutros-Raya, said at the opening of the Bkerki Economic and Social Forum: "I am pleased to welcome you all to the second Bkerki Economic and Social Forum organized by the World Patriarchal Foundation for the global development ". Salim Sfeir, Chairman of the Board and Managing Director of the Bank of Beirut, and President of the newly elected Lebanese Banks Association. I renew my congratulations and wish you every success in this new responsibility. I thank him for his kind opening address. I also greet the members of the board of directors of this patriarchal institution, thanking them for their efforts and sacrifices, and earning money with them, in order to fund development projects in the region. interest of our youth and our institutions. "

He added: "I wish you a warm welcome and thank you for Lebanon and the countries of proliferation, and I warmly invite you to participate in this forum, in interaction with its general theme:" Together we highlight the roots of our youth "especially when you note with regret that the political group responsible for our country" We wonder if politicians realize that a nation without educated and creative young people does not have a future promising for them? We have no attention, as they were not interested in their future, but closed the door to their expectations and aspirations. .

"You are here today and tomorrow to think together, work together and plan together to build our generations in our homeland, which is about to proclaim the beginning of the first century of the declaration of an independent state. and sovereign with borders: a state of cultural, religious and political pluralism in a national unity, And the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Universal Declaration of Rights of the man.

He stressed that "all these things distinguish Lebanon from all countries in the Middle East and make it a model and a message".

He added that "this Lebanese identity is today threatened by the new political reality that violates the constitution and the charter.It introduces knowledge and practices that are gradually changing the political and social face of Lebanon and are threatened by the economic crisis and stifling living conditions that anchor Lebanese, especially Christians, among the universities, while confirming the two million displaced people and refugees from Syria and the Palestinians, a destructive international policy.

He concluded by saying: "Dear forum members, the second socio-economic conference that brings us together in this patriarchal building brings us face to face with all these challenges, and I thank you for your participation, as well as my appreciation for your entry into the depths. of its dimensions.