I Call on the International Community to Avoid Turning Lebanon into a Field of Conflicts
Pope Benedicts XVI stressed that he will urge the international community to protect Lebanon through an effective commitment to avoid turning the country into a field of international and regional conflicts.
During the presentation of diplomatic credentials of new Lebanese Ambassador to the Holy See George Khoury on Monday, the Pontiff hoped, "Lebanon would become a laboratory for reaching successful solutions to conflicts that have been tearing the Middle East region for a long time."
He went on to consider Lebanon, "a treasure to all its children which,(they) should protect and make it fruitful to all." The pope went on to add," This goes back to the harmonious coexistence between all faiths and races in the land of the cedars."
"The elections of a new president, formation of a new cabinet are new important constitutional developments following a long period of crisis and violence." The pope said.
He ended in saying," The main direction leading us to serving the general good lies in the necessity that every element in the Lebanese society feels that Lebanon is his country, taking into consideration his own ambitions and concerns in light of mutual respect to all."