Maronite Meeting Forms Committee to Follow Up on Decisions
إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية
The Maronite meeting at Bkirki stressed on Thursday the need to hold future meetings to continue discussions over how to “maintain Lebanon as an example for democracy and freedom.”
An agreement was reached to form a follow up committee to monitor the cooperation between them, announced Bishop Samir Mazloum who read the summit’s closing statement.
The meeting stressed the commitment to partnership and cooperation to build the state and develop society, adding that Lebanon’s diversity and identity should be maintained, he stated.
“Balance should also be restored to public administrations through the Christians’ service in the state,” the statement continued.
The Maronite meeting, headed by Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi, brought together around 34 Maronite MPs as well as the country’s top Maronite political leaders meeting at the seat of the patriarchate in Bkirki.
He said after the meeting: “There is no longer division among them.”
Meanwhile, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea described the Bkirki meeting as “positive and helpful”.
He said: “Our presence together in one room is a step forward.”
“There is no doubt that some issues need to tackled, but the Christians in Lebanon are not in any danger and they still play an effective role in the country,” he concluded.
Al-Rahi stressed during his opening speech at the meeting the need for Christians to improve their conditions in Lebanon, urging the Maronite leaders to seek unity through commitment to the Bible’s teachings.
He called for the separation of religion from the state and politics on the condition of holding onto the national principles and the public welfare.
“As Christians, we’re committed to the Bible’s principles and the church’s teachings while practicing our political and economic activities,” he said.
“Unity among Christians won’t be settled without this commitment,” al-Rahi added.
He said participation in state institutions and preservation of the land guarantee the effective presence of Christians in the country.
The gathering was aimed at bridging the gap among Lebanon’s rival Christian parties.
In Thursday’s meeting, Maronite lawmakers joined the country’s four key Christian leaders in a follow-up conference under the sponsorship of al-Rahi.
The first icebreaker gathering was held in April between Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun, Marada Movement head MP Suleiman Franjieh, Phalange Party chief Amin Gemayel, and LF leader Geagea.
02 June 2011, 13:34
20
The last time I read through my Bible, Jesus was not involved in politics ya abouna. Why are you sticking your nose in an area you do not belong. You have brought the Maronite MP's together for unity that is more than fine. But stay out of politics yourself.
Maronite history is very close to Catholic history. Full of blood and struggle for political power. Unfortunately, this time they are losing Christians as a result of migration and thus weakening in power. Yes, I would panic too.
But Jesus was a pacifist. So move on ya Batrak. Move on.
02 June 2011, 14:15
00
plse monseigneur rahi don't get the virus of farsis and wahabies,we trust u to unite the lebanese religions in the service of bilad el arz , without dirtying it with politics
02 June 2011, 14:54
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I won't feel too nervous about Lebanon's future as long as people of all religions and political parties seek dialogue instead of fighting on the streets... A positive step forward? I sure hope so.
02 June 2011, 16:23
00
John the last time you read through "your" bible did you spot where Jesus said to love your enemy? Do you love your enemy John as Jesus said you should? Or are you just a lowlife hypocrite Qawmi who still can't get over the fact that Lebanon is separate from Syria and you blame the Christians in general and Maronites in particular for that.
02 June 2011, 17:24
01
YA RIJAL EL DEEN FI LOUBNAN. LA TATADAKHALO BEL SYASI.
To all the religious clerics in Lebanon. Go back to your Churches and Mosques
Let the Lebanese people live. Stop it Stop it.
Either you are Religious or Politicians. Take a pick you cant be both.
For the Love of God that you beleive in. Quit it. You are the ones destroying lebanon . While you dine and wine on the best food. The poor Lebanese people are struggling to buy bread. Who are you? people. .Practice what you preach.
02 June 2011, 19:48
01
the meeting in bkirki finished without tackling any important problem, no conflicting matters were discussed,only the most basic subjects,so....nothing will be seriously discussed in all sects of lebanon till the syrian regime falls,and the pressure from assad will be equal to zero.
to monitor the pressure u can follow esteez's behavior
but the loooong night is finishing and BILAD EL ARZ IS PREVAILING
n.b. as lebanese we truly wish the syrian people the very best in their march to prosperity and freedom.
03 June 2011, 00:37
00
Politicians should not meet together because they belong to the same sect but because they believe in the same Lebanon. All 4 participants have intentionally or unintentionally participated in decimating lebanon. They should step aside and let a new generation of politicians lead the lebanese. Being Maronite does not qualify them to be good politicians or make them united. I do not mind a leader from any sect who believes that Lebanon should be sovereign and just and should not be dragged to Iran or Syria.
03 June 2011, 03:20
01
Anytime a follow up committee is formed, it means nothing will happen.
