05/28/2013, 00.00
SYRIA - EU
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Gregory III Laham: "The future of Syria cannot be built on destruction"

The European Union fails to renew the ban of weapons supply to the Syrian opposition. Britain and France are ready to send arms to the rebels. For the Catholic Patriarch of Antioch "There are no winners with the war." The invitation to pray for the peace conference in Geneva scheduled for next June 10.

Damascus (AsiaNews) - "The future of Syria cannot be built on destruction. There are no winners with war. The Church is for reconciliation and dialogue. We encourage prayer for the success of the conference on 10 June in Geneva so that all parties, government and opposition, can travel the road to peace. " Gregory III Laham, patriarch of Antioch all the East, of Alexandria and Jerusalem of the Melkites says to AsiaNews.


The prelate's appeal comes after the failed agreement between the European Union countries on the renewal of the ban on the supply of arms to the rebels, which expired last night. This has prompted Britain and France to renew pressure for military support to the rebels. William Hague, the British Foreign Minister, said, "that so far no EU country has plans to arm the rebels." The end of the embargo is a move to intimidate Assad. However, the diplomat did not rule out sending weapons in the coming months. Ahead of new decisions, the "momentary" end of the ban, the announcement facilitates the illegal entry of weapons in Syria.

Gregory III  says that such a situation of pain, hatred and conflict between factions spurred by the continuous supply of arms to the rebels and the regime cannot continue indefinitely. "The world - he says - must understand that wars do not put an end to violence. I have personally experienced the clashes between Israelis and Palestinians in the Holy Land and the current one between Sunnis and Shiites in Syria. I can testify that only the position of reconciliation, peace and rejection of hatred given by the gospel can lead to a lasting solution. "

According to the patriarch there is still room in Syria for values ​​such as good and solidarity between people of different faiths and factions. "Even where there is no violence - he explains - people live with the constant fear of continuing war, but try to live their daily lives." In many cities, such as Damascus and Aleppo, there are episodes of solidarity between Christians and Muslims, without ethnic or political distinction. "The Patriarchate - says the prelate - welcomes displaced people and refugees fleeing from the regions most affected by the conflict and supports them through the efforts of the volunteers of Caritas and many Christian and Muslim families." (S.C.)

 

 

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