Mazloum Lauds Dialogue between Christians: Bkirki Awaiting Substantial Results

Maronite Bishop Samir Mazloum stressed on Wednesday that Bkirki encourages dialogue between the rival Christian parties, expressing hope that talks among the arch-foes would lead to extensive results.

Mazloum denied in comments published in al-Joumhouria newspaper that any Christian party is boycotting Bkirki, pointing out that it “isn't standing with any side against another.”

“Our doors are always open to all the Christian leaders and the Lebanese.”

The bishop noted that Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi is still exerting efforts to gather the Maronite leaders, saying: “We are interested in the results of the talks between the Lebanese Forces and the Free Patriotic Movement not the venue of the meeting.”

The rivalry between FPM leader MP Michel Aoun and LF chief Samir Geagea has left the Baabda Palace vacant. Lebanon has been without a head of state since President Michel Suleiman's six-year term ended in May.

The MPs of the Change and Reform bloc of Aoun - also a candidate - and the majority of the lawmakers in the Hizbullah-led March 8 alliance have boycotted the electoral sessions, causing a lack of quorum.

The much-anticipated talks between Aoun and Geagea will be held soon as LF official Melhem Riachi and FPM MP Ibrahim Kanaan are preparing for the meeting.

Dialogue between the two leaders is aimed at breaking the ice and reaching a joint position regarding several controversial issues.

H.K.

G.K.