The head of Lebanon's influential Maronite Church called for a UN-sponsored international conference to "save" the country and ensure the rise of a sovereign, independent and civil state.
Patriarch Bechara Rai called on Saturday for Lebanon to officially embrace neutrality, in veiled criticism of Iran-backed armed Lebanese group Hezbollah, which the US classifies as a terrorist organisation.
Cardinal Rai was addressing thousands of supporters that gathered at Bkirki, the seat of the Maronite church, to show support for his initiative.
His campaign for an international conference was opposed by Hezbollah, whose leader recently labeled calls to internationalise the Lebanese crisis a violation of sovereignty and an invitation to potential occupation and future conflicts.
The patriarch, however, appeared unmoved, doubling down on his comments and urging the Lebanese to speak up and to demand state monopoly over possession of weapons.
“History has proven that every time Lebanon sided with any axis, we witnessed divisions, and wars broke out…the goal behind Lebanon’s foundation is to create a neutral entity in this East that forms a bridge between East and West,” he said.
Cardinal Rai, who held meetings with Arab and European diplomats before Saturday's rally, appealed to the international community to provide support for the Lebanese army and to empower the Lebanese state to exercise sovereignty over its territory.
He criticised Lebanon's political leaders for failing to seek a solution to the political paralysis that has left the country without a government since an explosion shook Beirut last August, killing more than 200 people and wreaking havoc in the capital.
The international community has urged the country’s political leaders to form a Cabinet of experts committed to the implementation of reforms in exchange for financial aid to help Lebanon weather a financial meltdown.
But Hezbollah’s growing grip over the government and political bickering against the backdrop of rising tensions between Tehran and the US and its regional allies has blocked the formation of a government and undermined Lebanon’s ties with traditional Arab allies who have long provided the tiny Mediterranean country with financial support.
Cardinal Rai's appeal won support from parties that once formed the now-defunct March 14 alliance which led the campaign for the withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon in 2005.
Bkirki was the driver behind the alliance that emerged following the assassination of former prime minister Rafik Hariri, for which an international tribunal convicted a member of Hezbollah of involvement.
World Cricket League Division 2
In Windhoek, Namibia - Top two teams qualify for the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, which starts on March 4.
UAE fixtures
Thursday, February 8 v Kenya; Friday, February 9 v Canada; Sunday, February 11 v Nepal; Monday, February 12 v Oman; Wednesday, February 14 v Namibia; Thursday, February 15 final
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
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Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
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- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Water waste
In the UAE’s arid climate, small shrubs, bushes and flower beds usually require about six litres of water per square metre, daily. That increases to 12 litres per square metre a day for small trees, and 300 litres for palm trees.
Horticulturists suggest the best time for watering is before 8am or after 6pm, when water won't be dried up by the sun.
A global report published by the Water Resources Institute in August, ranked the UAE 10th out of 164 nations where water supplies are most stretched.
The Emirates is the world’s third largest per capita water consumer after the US and Canada.
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UAE Premiership
Results
Dubai Exiles 24-28 Jebel Ali Dragons
Abu Dhabi Harlequins 43-27 Dubai Hurricanes
Fixture
Friday, March 29, Abu Dhabi Harlequins v Jebel Ali Dragons, The Sevens, Dubai
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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A list of the animal rescue organisations in the UAE
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Read more about the coronavirus
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
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Visit Abu Dhabi culinary team's top Emirati restaurants in Abu Dhabi
Yadoo’s House Restaurant & Cafe
For the karak and Yoodo's house platter with includes eggs, balaleet, khamir and chebab bread.
Golden Dallah
For the cappuccino, luqaimat and aseeda.
Al Mrzab Restaurant
For the shrimp murabian and Kuwaiti options including Kuwaiti machboos with kebab and spicy sauce.
Al Derwaza
For the fish hubul, regag bread, biryani and special seafood soup.
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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United States
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China
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UAE
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Japan
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Norway
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Canada
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Singapore
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Australia
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Saudi Arabia
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South Korea
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