Lebanese Patriarch Proposes Ending Tayouneh Ambush Probe in Return for Parliament Probing Beirut Blast

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Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros al-Rahi presented Tuesday a proposal on the probe into the Beirut blast to Lebanese President Michel Aoun, Prime Minister Najib Mikati, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, which he claims would end the ongoing crisis in Lebanon, sources told Al Mayadeen.

The Patriarch's proposal is essentially handing the prosecution of MPs and ministers to Parliament instead of the judicial investigator in return for closing the investigation into the Tayouneh ambush, the sources added.

Al-Rahi is the one who requested a meeting with the heads of the three Lebanese authorities with the aim of 'containing' the issue, especially in light of the Lebanese judiciary summoning Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea over the Tayouneh ambush.

Patriarch al-Rahi had deplored the Lebanese military intelligence summoning Geagea for a hearing over the ambush. 

"I discussed with Speaker Berri the latest developments, the judiciary, and the obstruction of the government, which are exacerbating the social and economic crises," al-Rahi told reporters in a press conference following his meeting with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.

"We did not discuss the Tayouneh events; however, we stressed the importance of the freedom and independence of the judiciary," he added.

The Lebanese military judiciary issued a subpoena for Geagea in light of accusations he is facing from several parties in Lebanon regarding the Tayouneh ambush, which left 7 Lebanese citizens martyred and dozens injured.

Al-Rahi enjoys a close relationship with the Lebanese Forces, a right-wing political party run by Samir Geagea.