The Maronite bishops have welcomed the election of General Michel
Aoun (81 years) as 13th. president of the Lebanese Republic, after two
and a half years of a power vacuum.
Now the goal, added the prelates, is
the "quick" formation of an "efficient government" that is able to face
and solve the old problems - economic crisis, institutional stalemate,
domestic terrorism, border wars and reception of refugees - investing
the Land of the Cedars.
At their monthly assembly, which was held yesterday at the headquarters
of the Maronite Patriarchate in Bkerké under the chairmanship of
Cardinal Beshara Rai, the bishops stressed the joint efforts of all
parties in Aoun’s election.
The the prelates appreciated the reference in the inaugural speech of
the new head of state, to the need for political, economic,
administrative and social stability, all seen as key issues as well as
the growth of Lebanon. Another priority must be the approval of a new
electoral law capable of ensuring the "representativeness" of all parts
of the country.
In the document published at the conclusion of their meeting, the
Maronite bishops recalled the "critical phase" crossed by the nation,
which is a "huge responsibility" for the new head of state and the
future executive. The prelates also call for "unity" at a critical
moment in the history not only of Lebanon, but throughout the Middle
East.
Finally, the Assembly hopes that after two years of instability a new
"stage" can now be opened where efforts can focus on "activities of
everyday life" and that all means are established by which the Lebanese
"can earn their daily bread. "
The prelates conclude that the people ask
only to live in a nation "worthy of their aspirations," in a country
"that will save them from looking elsewhere for conditions to live and
work in dignity."