Beirut (AsiaNews) – Ensuring a regular presidential election in accordance with the constitution and without a new government being formed are the main concerns Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir is said to have voiced during his meeting with President Émile Lahoud last Friday, presidential spokesman Rafik Chlela reported. Whilst the meeting continues to be the centre of attention in Lebanon’s political circles, the president still seems to be pushing for a new government.

Sources close to the Patriarchate confirmed the information. Some also claimed that Cardinal Sfeir stressed the need for the international tribunal to try the people responsible for the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and warned Lahoud about problems that might arise should he try to stay on after his mandate expires on November 24.

As he warned yesterday that the “fatherland is in danger,” the patriarch lamented the divisions between Lebanese political leaders, especially Christian leaders. The occasion was the 10th anniversary of John Paul II’s visit to the country which was commemorated at the seat of the Patriarchate in Bkerke with the participation of the Syro-Catholic Patriarch Boutrous VIII and many other Catholic and Orthodox bishops. During the event Cardinal Sfeir again called for the implementation of the apostolic exhortation “New Hope for Lebanon,” given to the papal visit’s choir.

Overcoming divisions is the first step, he said, followed by a new journey on the true path of national reconciliation because “men of good will should sacrifice their personal interests for the sake of the fatherland before it is too late.”

Finally, Cardinal Sfeir mentioned the papal visit of May 10-11, 1997. At that time, half of Lebanon’s population came out to welcome the Pope “who expressed a real desire to see Lebanon live in peace.”  Similarly, Cardinal Sfeir said that Benedict XVI has a great love for the country and unfailingly acts in favour of peace and harmony in Lebanon and the region.