Hariri bombing claims former minister
Bkerke (AsiaNews/Agencies) Former Lebanese Economy and Trade Minister Bassel Fleihan died today from wounds sustained in the February 14 blast that killed ex-premier Rafik Hariri in Beirut.
Fleihan, 42, had been taken to a Paris hospital with serious burns immediately after the event but doctors were unable to save him given the nature of his wounds.
Yesterday, the Maronite Patriarch, Card Nasrallah Sfeir, met Bahia Hariri, Rafik Hariri's sister, and a delegation of doctors and lawmakers at his Bkerke residence. Members of the delegation expressed their intention to work for Lebanon's political stability.
After the meeting the prelate went to Harissa to celebrate a mass in honour of Saint Dominic Savio in the Our Lady of Lebanon Basilica before a gathering of 6,000 faithful.
During the homily the Patriarch reiterated one of the main themes of John Paul II's pontificate, namely the close relationship between the Sacrament of Penance and the Eucharist.
He urged those present to lead a life worthy and respectful of the baptism's pledges and insisted on the importance of "forming people's conscience" so that "everyone can assume their responsibilities vis-à-vis the world with rectitude and justice".
The service ended with an invitation to pray to the Holy Spirit that it might act in the conclave under way and give the world a universal pastor "capable of leading the world towards a future of prosperity and peace".
In the meantime, Nagib Miqati, the new Prime Minister-designate is trying to form a cabinet to lead the country until the upcoming elections.
He was given the task after outgoing Premier Omar Karami failed last week to find a consensus with Lebanon's opposition parties.
Miqati's task began with talks with Nabih Berri, Speaker of Lebanon's National Assembly. (YH)
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19/04/2005
