Patriarch calls for international debate on Lebanon situation Patriarch calls for international debate on Lebanon situation Beirut, Feb 8 (Prensa Latina) The Maronite Christian Patriarch of Lebanon Bechara Rai asked for a UN-sponsored conference to discuss the present crisis in the country, local media reported today. Rai expressed frustration at the failure of his attempts to mediate in establishing a government the eastern Mediterranean nation has lacked since last August. According to The Daily Star journal, the appeal of the religious figure will arouse controversy, while various political factions rebuff foreign involvement in the national panorama. 'Lebanon´s present situation really requires an international conference sponsored by the UN to confirm constitutionality, unity and guarantee of existence,' said Rai.