The Maronite Council of Bishops during its monthly meeting. (Credit: NNA)
The Maronite Council of Bishops emphasized Wednesday the need to ensure the proper implementation of the cease-fire between Hezbollah and Israel and welcomed the announcement of a parliamentary session on Jan. 9 to elect a president after more than two years of a leadership vacuum in the country.
In a statement issued after their monthly meeting, the bishops hailed "the implementation of the cease-fire," expressing their trust in "the wisdom of the Lebanese side to ensure its enforcement." They also voiced "regret over violations" and called on "the international community and the international monitoring committee to ensure adherence to the agreement, establish security in Lebanon, particularly in the South, and guarantee the return of citizens" to their homes.
The bishops thanked the countries that have "provided assistance to Lebanese citizens during the war," expressing hope that this solidarity would extend beyond the conflict. A World Bank report released in mid-November estimated over $3 billion in damages to physical infrastructure caused by Israeli bombardments.
On domestic issues, the bishops welcomed Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri’s call to hold a parliamentary session on Jan. 9 to elect a president. They recalled that the head of the Maronite Church, Bechara Rai, had repeatedly urged respect for the constitutional timeline regarding the presidency. The bishops expressed hope that the election would mark "the starting point for the proper functioning of constitutional institutions and the beginning of Lebanon’s path toward lasting security and long-awaited reforms."
