Lebanese cardinal urges mending of Lebanese-Syrian relationship

Published: 2008-02-07

BEIRUT, Lebanon (CNS) -- Lebanon's Maronite Catholic cardinal called for the mending of Lebanese-Syrian relations "for the welfare of both countries." "If the nature of the ties between Lebanon and Syria is not once and for all determined, this is likely to reflect negatively on both countries," said Cardinal Nasrallah P. Sfeir, the Maronite patriarch, in his annual Lenten address. Syria's 15-year occupation of Lebanon ended in 2005, but it still wields considerable political power in Lebanon. Cardinal Sfeir criticized foreign intervention in Lebanon's internal affairs and Lebanese politicians "who serve as tools in the hands of foreign powers." He said, "Some politicians ally themselves with foreign forces to serve their personal interests ... and this is the worst of behaviors." He noted that political rhetoric has "sunk way too low, and this contradicts all principles of freedom."

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