Maronite Bishops Concerned over 'Shattered' Lebanese State

The Council of Maronite Bishops expressed concern on Wednesday over the the rising tension among Lebanon's political foes, accusing them of holding the state's decision-making “captive.”

“Dangerous practices and rhetoric … which are influenced by the sectarian tension in the region … are a sign that the state is shattered,” the bishops said in a statement.

“The state's policies have become the captive of the current political rupture,” they said following their monthly meeting that was chaired by Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi.

“The government has become incapable of resolving the simplest crises,” the bishops stated.

Divisions between the March 14 coalition and the March 8 camp grew last week when Saudi Arabia cut military assistance to Lebanon and issued a travel warning to Lebanon.

Other Gulf states also issued travel advisories and on Wednesday the Gulf Cooperation Council that is led by Riyadh branded Hizbullah a terrorist organization.

Wednesday's move against Hizbullah reflects deeper regional divisions between Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia and Shiite powerhouse Iran, Hizbullah's main backer.

The statement issued by the bishops called for an agreement among the country's bickering officials on the election of a president.

“There is no alternative to the president, who is the symbol of the state,” said the bishops.

Baabda Palace has been vacant since the term of President Michel Suleiman ended in May 2014.

The bishops expressed concern over the growing danger of more vacuum in state institutions as a result of the absence of a head of state.

They called for keeping the army away from the divisions and political tension.

“All those wanting to have security and stability in Lebanon have a duty to back the institutions,” they said.

G.K.

M.T.