Maronite Bishops Call For National Agreement, Urge Politicians to Elect President with No Prior Conditions

The Maronite Bishops Council voiced calls on Wednesday to abide by the constitution and elect a new head of state without imposing any prior conditions, the National News Agency reported.

During their monthly meeting in Diman under Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi, they urged the political leaders to be up to their responsibility.

The Bishops also called for drafting a new electoral law that would secure real representation, in compliance with the Constitution and the National Pact.

They did not fail to hail the efforts made by the army and security forces in fighting terrorism.

Conferees also remarked the ailing economic condition in the country, in addition to the burden caused by the displaced Syrians and Palestinian refugees.

"It is the duty of politicians to set an effective plan to boost national economy," they said in a statement.

"How can the political forces hold onto disruption?" they wondered.

The Maronite bishops lastly highlighted the necessity to commit to a national comprehensive reconciliation that would turn over a new page and "reconsider the historic settlement embodied by Taef Accord."