Former Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Issam Fares& his wife Mrs. Hala Fares threw a lunch banquet at their residence in Paris in honor of their guest His Beatitude Ignatius IV Hazim the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and all the East. The occasion provided the opportunity to discuss the general prevailing situation in Lebanon and the affairs of the Orthodox sect. The reunion focused on the promotion of the sect’s presence and the pivotal role it plays in the Lebanese national life which emanates from its history, heritage, and Lebanon’s civilized message.

The Patriarch’s visit to Paris came on the occasion of the ordination of Bishop Youhanna Yaziji, on board of a private jet His Excellency Mr. Fares had put at his disposal and the accompanying delegation.

In a briefing to the press, the Patriarch expressed his deep thanks to the Fareses, lauding Mr. Fares as a patriotic man who loves his country. Asked whether he managed to convince Mr. Fares to return to Lebanon to resume his political career and run for the coming parliamentary race, the Patriarch praised Fares, saying he always carries Lebanon in his heart and is always ready to do anything for the sake of the country, and therefore needs no one to convince him to return to his motherland. The Patriarch finally affirmed that Fares has no personal ambitions and that he saves no effort for the sake of the country.