Dario Salvi

A "preliminary" step which could be followed by "further consultations" between the parties. Next week, new meetings between the two fronts are scheduled to define the details. The port city is the entry point for most goods and aid. The humanitarian emergency remains at maximum levels.

Card Sako joins the debate on the renewal of the Eastern Churches, some of which want to "stubbornly" hold onto the dictates of the past. It is necessary to change, whilst maintaining "originality and authenticity" and facing anew the "missionary" challenge. Persecutions have generated "closed ethnic" communities. Addressing "current" needs and problems is a must.

The vicar speaks of enthusiasm "exceeding all expectations" for the papal visit. The joint document a sign of a "serious will" to build new relations with Muslims. "Honest and authentic" relations with the heads of the Emirates. The words of the pontiff "source of pride" for local Catholics. The meeting with a "small delegation" from Yemen.

A report by United Nations observers denies the White House proclamations. Between Syria and Iraq there are an estimated 14,000 to 18,000 active combatants, including 3,000 foreigners. Daesh is determined to resist and has the ability to fight back. The danger of external terrorist operations remains.

Trump uses State of the Union to attack Teheran, “the world’s leading state sponsor of terror” . Immediate response from Iran: US policies have only "brought ruin to our region" and Tehran points to progress made and the presence of a Jewish community.

In a release, Amnesty International says Qatar is not respecting its commitments to protect rights. To do so, the authorities must scrap the sponsorship system, which allows employers to limit employees’ right to travel, including domestic workers, via the ‘exist permit’.

Cardinal al-Rahi praised the United Arab Emirates for hosting the Pope and sponsoring a joint Christian-Muslim declaration. During Mass, he highlighted anti-war warning in a region marked by conflicts. Yesterday, he spoke at the interfaith meeting.

Msgr. Georges Abou Khazen applauds the joint document signed by Francis and Ahmad Muhammad Al-Tayyib. For the first time "an imam speaks in the name of all Muslims". The common struggle against violence and terrorism "is also important for us, in Syria". Citizenship as a common element.

For the Chaldean primate, persecution in the region is one of the pontiff’s main concerns. Francis will try to turn the page in Christian-Muslim relations and renew the journey of peace. The visit could also help Iraqi Christians and give them new confidence in the future.

For the priest Christians are "always threatened with disappearing". They live "suspended between heaven and earth, hanging from the Cross". The city bears the signs of conflict: damaged collapsed buildings, people killed. A generation, or more, without education. Attempts at peace and reconciliation are rife.

Beirut’s skies lit up with fireworks yesterday to celebrate the formation of a new government. For the third time, Saad Hariri will lead. The 30-member cabinet includes four women. Cautious optimism informs local and regional media. The "internal" problems reflect regional and international conflicts. Reforms are needed to unlock billions in pledges.

Iranian deputy foreign minister says it is part of "the commitments made" by Europe to save trade with the Islamic Republic. Instex will be applied to the food, pharmaceutical and consumer goods sectors.