Beirut (AsiaNews) – At the end of their monthly meeting Maronite bishops made an appeal as they have done each year, almost echoing a similar statement by Lebanon’s president, against insecurity, corruption and “radical” political divisions, factors that make Lebanon’s situation “anything but reassuring,” and which imperatively need “general reconciliation”.
In their statement the bishops look at the situation and the factors that make it unstable and dangerous, urging their fellow Lebanese to unite to preserve the country. They also call on Lebanon’s president, Michel Suleiman, to promote a national dialogue.
Yesterday President Suleiman spoke in favour of national dialogue, saying there could be "no dialogue without reconciliation and no reconciliation without dialogue.”
"National unity is the base," Suleiman said, echoing the same point made by the bishops.
“We must hurry up and achieve general reconciliation, ending divisions, bringing everyone together around our love for Lebanon’” the prelates said.
“Allegiance to country is one of the conditions for true citizenship,” said their statement. “When someone lives in his or her country, enjoying its riches whilst serving their own interests or those of other countries, this is called treason. A good citizen is someone who is prepared to make sacrifices for the country even if it means giving up one’s peace of mind, wealth and future.”
In analysing the country’s situation, Maronite bishops “thanked Heaven for letting parliament elect the president.” Because of this and the commitment by parliament and the main parties, “constitutional institutions are functioning once again.”
Now quick action is needed to fill vacant positions in the administration, putting a stop to the tug-of-war between parties, choosing people who are “competent, honest and experienced.”
For the bishops a just and fair election law is equally important and must be adopted “as soon as possible.”
“It is our hope that elections will take place under favourable circumstances, without security concerns, to enable the Lebanese people to choose whomever they want as their representatives, free from any pressure or incitement.” (PD)