During celebrations for Our Lady of Lebanon, Maronite patriarch demands respect for the state’s basic law. He says he is ready to announce a ‘consensus-based’ choice for president if there are guarantees that his choice “is taken into account.” Aoun confirms his candidacy, adds: “I will not support any other person. I will not agree on anyone.”
Maronite patriarch urges Lebanese to seek dialogue at the national level and amongst Christians. He praises the armed forces, saying that “if only soldiers bear arms, people would lead a quieter life.”
The initiative comes following the release of a statement last month highlighting the crisis within the Maronite community and offering some suggestions as to how to solve it. A bishops’ commission met Michel Aoun this morning and will meet Suleiman Frangieh and Samir Geagea later in the day.
In the aftermath of the murder of the priest Paulos Eskandar, the Chaldean patriarch denounced the indifference of the international community which, coupled with persecution, threatens to "empty" the Middle East of its Christian communities.
In the message released today, the prelates urge Christians to come back home despite the economic crisis and express their hope in international assistance and peace-keeping force.
United Nations is set to extend Judge Brammertz's mandate by a year. Belgian judge is satisfied with Syrian attitude.
On the eve of his departure for France, Maronite Patriarch criticises President Lahoud for "tying his fate to that of Syria".
At the end of the fourth day of the national dialogue some key issues have been discussed such as the enforcement of the Taif agreement and UN Resolution 1559. A special commission will study how to disarm militias.
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