Lebanese bishops say citizens must show unity before May elections

Published: 2005-02-08

BEIRUT, Lebanon (CNS) -- Lebanon's Maronite bishops said the country had a chance to regain its sovereignty, especially if its citizens showed unity before parliamentary elections in May. "There are signs indicating that Lebanon will recover all its rights, if the Lebanese know how to show solidarity to accompany the international momentum now favoring them," the bishops said in a statement issued Feb. 2, at the end of their monthly meeting. "The present situation requires that all Lebanese -- especially Christians -- unite their ranks regardless of who wins this or that seat" in the elections, the bishops said. "The Lebanese cause is greater than seats and posts." The bishops' statement also called for Lebanese expatriates to have the opportunity to vote in May parliamentary elections. The bishops cited the example of the recent Iraqi elections, in which Iraqi emigrants in 14 countries were allowed to vote. Lebanese expatriates do not currently have the right to vote in the elections of their homeland.

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