Maronite Patriarch: world powers must bring peace to the Middle East
The cardinal intervenes in the context of growing tension in Syria and in the region. The diplomatic and political path, not military, the only way to resolve disputes. The cardinal denounces the lack of a "language of peace" and is concerned about the social and economic situation in Lebanon.
Beirut (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Concerned by the escalation of tension in the Middle East and, in particular, in neighbouring Syria, the scene of a possible open conflict between the United States and Russia, the Maronite Patriarch Beshara Raï launches a new appeal for peace. Addressing international leaders, the cardinal calls for a "peaceful" end to the wars that ravage the region.
Following the alleged chemical weapons attack in Eastern Ghouta, a rebel enclave on the outskirts of Damascus, at the hands of the government army, the United States, France and the United Kingdom threaten heavy reprisals. The risk is that an attack - repeatedly threatened by US President Donald Trump - could trigger a reaction from Russia and Iran.
"We appeal to the international community, to the conscience of world powers to work on ending wars and to bring peace through diplomatic means. Peoples of the Middle East have the right to live in peace, and we know how wars begin, but we do not know how they end," said Raï addressing the international community.
"Regretfully, the language of peace is absent between states. We also regret the situation the Syrian people have reached which affects Lebanon, particularly the economic situation," added the Patriarch.
In these hours, the United Nations leaders and international diplomacy experts are working to prevent the situation in Syria from turning into a "crazy spiral". A risk sharpened by the threat of US President Donald Trump, who warned that "missiles will arrive soon".
Referring to the position of world leaders on Syria, the cCrdinal added: "Most tragically, their hearts are devoid of the slightest human emotion toward the millions of innocent Syrians who have been forced to flee their land under the fire of war, its crimes, destruction, terror and violence".
Concluding, the Cardinal appealed to the powerful of the world, “to work to end the war and to bring about a just, comprehensive and lasting peace through political and diplomatic means — not military".
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16/06/2017 12:58
