The Zahle Gathering: Rights of Christians cannot be achieved through insults

 

The Zahle Gathering, headed by MP Nicolas Fattouch, released a statement saying that restoring the rights of Christians cannot be achieved through threats and insults, but goodwill and loyalty to the country.

 

“Zahle condemns the campaign against Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir and stands beside him,” the statement said.

 

It also called on those seeking the restoration of Christians’ rights to cautiously examine their acts.

 

“Zahle believes that the Taif Agreement is the salvation for Lebanon and denounces the calls for amending it, as

those calling for its amendment are using the Christians as a tool.”

 

“How could they claim to preserve the rights of Christians and demand at the same time for a three-thirds-based government instead of the fifty-fifty power-sharing formula laid out by the Taif?” the statement said.

 

The statement also noted that Zahle supports the election of Army Commander General Michel Sleiman as president.

 

“We refuse for the president to be burdened with preconditions,” the statement added.