Maronite Bishops Urge All Political Powers to Support Army in Arsal Clashes

The Maronite bishops council condemned on Wednesday the ongoing clashes in the northeastern town of Arsal between the army and Islamist gunmen, voicing their support to the military in its mission.

It said: “We condemn the unrest and express our complete support to the army and security forces as should all political powers.”

The council made its statement after its monthly meeting chaired by Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi.

“We have faith that the army will succeed in defeating the gunmen,” it added.

It also urged “friendly nations to support the army in its mission.”

France said Tuesday it would move quickly to answer a call from Lebanon for faster arms deliveries as it battles Islamist militants on the Syrian border.

Earlier, Saudi King Abdullah held a telephone conversation with former President Michel Suleiman, pledging that the kingdom would try to accelerate delivery of weapons under a Saudi-financed deal reached in December 2013.

Addressing the presidential elections, the Maronite bishops condemned the ongoing delay in staging the polls, saying that the political powers' actions are negatively affecting Lebanon's image abroad.

“The delay has created spite among the people and we therefore call on officials to exercise their duties and stage the elections,” they demanded.

Commenting on the persecution of minorities in the region, the bishops voiced their concern with the Islamic State's actions in Iraq and Syria, noting that it may lead to the elimination of Christians, who have been present in the East for 2,000 years.

The bishops also condemned the Israeli campaign against the Palestinian Gaza Strip, saying that ending the crisis lies in granting the Palestinian people their legitimate rights.

Clashes erupted over the weekend between the army and Islamist gunmen following the arrest of al-Nusra Front member Imad Ahmed Jomaa.

At least 15 soldiers have been killed and 80 wounded in the ongoing unrest.

M.T.

G.K.