World News
Maronite bishops caution against calls for president's resignation
Published: November 8, 2005
BEIRUT, Lebanon (CNS) -- Lebanon's Maronite bishops cautioned against demands for the resignation of the nation's president and said the office should remain above political controversy. "The controversy about whether the president of the republic keeps on or resigns his post has hauled the country into a critical situation," the bishops warned. The dispute "paralyzes the political situation in Lebanon, diverts authorities from caring for the citizens, collapses daily life and further damages the economic situation." "The position of the presidency must remain above this controversy, for fear that the post will lose the awe of reverence and respect surrounding it," the bishops said following their monthly meeting Nov. 2. According to Lebanon's Constitution, the presidency is designated for a Maronite Catholic. Since the release of the U.N. investigation team's findings regarding the murder of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, calls for the resignation of President Emile Lahoud have escalated. Syrian security officials and their Lebanese allies were implicated in the probe.
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