Bishop says exiled leader's return begins reconciliation for Lebanese

Published: 2005-05-12

BEIRUT, Lebanon (CNS) -- The return of Gen. Michel Aoun to Lebanon after 15 years of exile marks the beginning of reconciliation for the Lebanese, a Maronite Catholic bishop said. Aoun led the Lebanese Army, which battled Syrian forces during Lebanon's civil war. He fled to France in 1990 after one of the bloodiest battles of the 15-year war. Maronite Bishop Bechara Rai of Jbeil said through Aoun's return the Lebanese "see an international will for the reconciliation of the Lebanese. And we are grateful for that." He said, "I think the international community is convinced that Lebanon has a role to play of freedom, of dialogue between cultures and religions." Tens of thousands gathered for Aoun's homecoming in Martyrs' Square in Beirut May 7. The 70-year-old Maronite Catholic has a large following, particularly among Lebanon's Christians, about 40 percent of the population.

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