Lebanon's bishops urge government leaders to strive for stability

Published: 2006-01-10

BEIRUT, Lebanon (CNS) -- Lebanon's Maronite Catholic bishops urged government officials to work toward strengthening stability in the country and said recent allegations about Syria's involvement in the assassination of a former Lebanese leader demonstrate the strong influence Syrian intelligence and military have wielded in Lebanon. "The series of bomb explosions and assassinations which occurred in Lebanon last year spread a heavy atmosphere of fear and caution throughout the country," said the Maronite Council of Bishops in a statement following their monthly meeting. "The Lebanese authorities should exert their utmost to resolve this atmosphere, which has greatly damaged the country on all levels, especially the economy." The bishops also referred to the recent statements made by a former Syrian vice president alleging that Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad had personally threatened former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri before Hariri's assassination. The bishops said the allegation "brought to light the great effect which the Syrian military and intelligence presence had in shaking the bases upon which stands the Lebanese state. Nevertheless, it is a statement which should inspire the authorities in both countries to establish true relations that will yield a benefit for both peoples."

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