Maronite Bishops: National Dialogue Must Be Resumed without Preconditions
The Maronite bishops council urged on Wednesday officials to set Lebanon’s interests as a priority above all else, “completely rejecting” attempts to drag the country towards “a new war through fueling sectarian tensions.”
It said in a statement after its monthly meeting: “Officials must comply with President Michel Suleiman’s call to resume the national dialogue without preconditions.”
Lebanon is in need of all of its citizens who must take part in determining their country’s future without placing one faction’s interests above the other, they remarked.
To this end they must commit to the principle of mutual coexistence in order to resolve disputes, added the bishops after their meeting headed by Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi.
Moreover, officials should also keep the army away from political tensions that may serve to tarnish its image and harm its credibility, warning of divisions within the military and security institutions.
“Harming its unity will lead Lebanon towards a dangerous path,” cautioned the bishops.
Suleiman had called on political factions to resume the national dialogue, setting June 11 as the date of its first session.
The army's performance has come under criticism in light of the death of Sheikhs Ahmed Abdul Wahed and Mohammed Merheb at an army checkpoint in the northern town of Kweikhat on May 20.
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