Synod of Maronite Bishops Calls for 'Lebanonizing' Presidential Elections
Maronite bishops concluded on Thursday their four-day synod by urging political powers to overcome their disputes and work towards filling the vacuum in the presidency.
They said in their closing statement: “We should 'Lebanonize' the polls and elect a new head of state.”
They called on lawmakers to head to parliament and perform their national duty.
“The elections are not restricted to Christians, but the whole of Lebanon is concerned with the presidency,” they declared.
Moreover, the bishops called on “friendly countries” to support Lebanon to end its crisis.
They also hailed the dialogue between the Free Patriotic Movement and Lebanese Forces and the talks between Hizbullah and the Mustaqbal Movement.
Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi later held a mass to mark the end of the Synod.
He reiterated before the congregation the need for political foes to resolve their differences, urging them to “assume their historic responsibilities and for MPs to elect a president.”
“We must sit together, hold frank talks, and reach a reconciliation,” he added.
Officials should not abuse their authority for obstructing state functioning, stressed al-Rahi.
Lebanon has been without a president since May 2014 when the term of Michel Suleiman ended without the election of a successor.
Ongoing disputes between the rival March 8 and 14 camps over a compromise candidate have thwarted the polls.
Hizbullah's Loyalty to the Resistance and MP Michel Aoun's Change and Reform blocs have been boycotting electoral sessions over the dispute.
M.T.
G.K.
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