Maronite bishops urge swift formation of government

The Maronite bishops emphasized on Wednesday the need for Lebanon to form a new government "as soon as possible" and decried the lack of a true cease-fire in south Lebanon. They also condemned the increase in violence in several regions of Lebanon in recent weeks, as a series of crimes and offenses have shocked public opinion.

In a statement issued following their monthly council meeting, chaired by Patriarch Bechara al-Rai, the bishops first congratulated General Joseph Aoun on his election on Jan. 9, as well as Nawaf Salam for his appointment as prime minister on Jan. 13. They urged the latter to "strictly adhere to the commitments he has made and to form his government as soon as possible," wishing for a "reformist, competent, and united ministerial team capable of reviving the process of rebuilding the state."

The bishops also called for the deployment of the Lebanese army throughout the villages of south Lebanon, condemning "the poor implementation of cease-fire agreements, which leads to more destruction, casualties, and injuries among the Lebanese." On Jan. 26, 22 Lebanese among the villagers of south Lebanon wishing to return home on the date scheduled by the agreement between Israel and Lebanon on Nov. 27 were killed by the Israeli army. After an extension of the agreement, the complete withdrawal of the Israeli army, still largely present in the border villages of the Marjeyoun district, is expected by Feb. 18.

Addressing internal issues, including the security situation, the bishops criticized "the smuggling activities happening in plain sight, especially at the illegal crossing points between Lebanon and Syria." They expressed their "deep concern over the growing insecurity affecting the capital and several regions of the country," mentioning the presumed assassinations of Archimandrite Anania Kojanian, found dead at his home in Metn on Feb. 1, and that of Khalil Khalil, a young man killed in Faraya on the night of Feb. 2. They called on the competent authorities to "take firm measures to penalize the violators and criminals."

The statement concluded with a word on the occasion of the celebration of Saint Maroun's Day, next Sunday, Feb. 9, wishing all Lebanese "security, peace, and stability."