Maronite Bishops Urge Election of President who Will 'Protect Lebanon's Identity'

The Maronite Bishops Council reiterated on Wednesday its call for the election of a president in Lebanon, while highlighting the recent visits of international figures to the country.

It said after its monthly meeting: “We urge the election of a president, who will protect Lebanon's constitutional and state identity.”

It hailed the visit last month of French President Francois Hollande to Lebanon, saying it “demonstrates the world's keenness on Lebanon and need to protect it against regional conflicts, starting with the election of a president.”

On regional conflicts, the bishops underscored the importance of dialogue, “not force or weapons,” in resolving these disputes.

International powers should end these conflicts and allow the displaced to return to their homeland, they demanded.

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 have thwarted the polls.

M.T.

D.A.