Hariri Hails Stances of Pope Benedict XVl

Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri welcomed the stance of Pope Benedict XVl from the uprising in the Arab world, stressing that his message is similar to the values and principles that he believes in.

“We hope that the positive impacts of the papal visit will appear in the near future,” Hariri said in a letter to the pope on his second day of visit to Lebanon.

The pope has told the Christian minority in the Middle East on Friday not to fear for its future.

His exhortations were made public as he put his signature to recommendations emerging from a synod of bishops he convened two years ago to examine the future of the Christian minority in the region and its relations with Islam and Judaism.

Hariri noted that the pope’s visit stressed on the importance of the “famous Lebanese equilibrium as a model for all the peoples of the region and the world.”

“Your statements safeguard the Lebanese values of freedom, democracy, moderation, respecting others and coexistence,” the ex-PM stated.

He told the pope that his message is similar to the values and principles that he is calling for, foremost among them is the freedom of belief, opinion and coexistence.

“What you are calling for today... Is similar to the values and principles that we are calling and working for, especially the freedom of belief and opinion, the respect of the others, moderation and coexistence among the various religions.”

Hariri expressed confidence that the pope’s visit will be a “solid stage” in the history of Lebanon and the region.

“you reassure the other groups in the Arab societies who are worried as a result of the important transformations taking place in some countries of the region, of which you saluted the cry for freedom, calling to avoid violence,” he said.

The pope, who is in Lebanon on a three-day visit, urged Christians and Muslims on Saturday to forge a harmonious, pluralistic society in which the dignity of each person is respected and the right to worship in peace is guaranteed.