Maronite bishops urge quick formation of transitional government

Published: 2005-03-07

BEIRUT, Lebanon (CNS) -- Lebanon's Maronite bishops urged that the nation quickly form a transitional government and commended the Lebanese people for the peaceful demonstrations that toppled the nation's pro-Syrian officials. In a statement following their monthly meeting March 2, the bishops noted that the "peaceful, civilized, day-and-night" protests "show a praiseworthy awakening of the Lebanese, especially young people." They said the protesters "carried only the Lebanese flag" and were united in their protest, "despite the disparity of communities and the difference of (religious) denominations." The bishops said, "Hope is great that this sound national feeling ... will continue to gather the ranks and unite the hearts until it crystallizes a national thought that all Lebanese will adopt. Thus the picture of a Lebanon -- democratic, with its Muslims and Christians united -- will emerge."

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