Gregory III Laham: "The future of Syria cannot be built on destruction"
Damascus (AsiaNews) - "The future of Syria cannot be built on destruction. There are no winners with war. The Church is for reconciliation and dialogue. We encourage prayer for the success of the conference on 10 June in Geneva so that all parties, government and opposition, can travel the road to peace. " Gregory III Laham, patriarch of Antioch all the East, of Alexandria and Jerusalem of the Melkites says to AsiaNews.
The prelate's appeal comes after the failed agreement between the European
Union countries on the renewal of the ban on the supply of arms to the rebels,
which expired last night. This has prompted Britain and France to renew
pressure for military support to the rebels. William Hague, the British Foreign
Minister, said, "that so far no EU country has plans to arm the
rebels." The end of the embargo is a move to intimidate Assad. However,
the diplomat did not rule out sending weapons in the coming months. Ahead of
new decisions, the "momentary" end of the ban, the announcement facilitates
the illegal entry of weapons in Syria.
Gregory III says that such a situation
of pain, hatred and conflict between factions spurred by the continuous supply
of arms to the rebels and the regime cannot continue indefinitely. "The
world - he says - must understand that wars do not put an end to violence. I
have personally experienced the clashes between Israelis and Palestinians in
the Holy Land and the current one between Sunnis and Shiites in Syria. I can
testify that only the position of reconciliation, peace and rejection of hatred
given by the gospel can lead to a lasting solution. "
According to the patriarch there is still room in Syria for values such
as good and solidarity between people of different faiths and factions.
"Even where there is no violence - he explains - people live with the constant
fear of continuing war, but try to live their daily lives." In many
cities, such as Damascus and Aleppo, there are episodes of solidarity between
Christians and Muslims, without ethnic or political distinction. "The
Patriarchate - says the prelate - welcomes displaced people and refugees
fleeing from the regions most affected by the conflict and supports them
through the efforts of the volunteers of Caritas and many Christian and Muslim
families." (S.C.)
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