The Maronite Bishops called Wednesday on Lebanon's politicians to facilitate the formation of the new government; warning of the reverberations delaying this process can produce on the already ailing economic situation.
In a statement issued following their monthly meeting under the chairmanship of Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Beshara Rai, at his summer residence in Dimane, the Bishops said “they are surprised by the delay in the government formation, amid the challenges faced by Lebanon and the deadlines set by international donors,” urging the politicians to shoulder their responsibilities and facilitate the formation of a government that assumes its pressing duties towards the public and citizen interest. "The ailing economic situation must not be ignored," they warned. The Bishops saluted the Lebanese military and security forces, upon their foundation's anniversary, renewing their "holding onto the legitimate forces." On another note, they urged the concerned sides and officials to work on curbing the growing crisis inside the educational institutions, as the new school year has kicked off.