Hariri to the Pope: Your visit coincides with major regional transformations

Former PM Saad Hariri conveyed a message to Pope Benedict XVI on the occasion of his visit to Lebanon saying that the Lebanese people welcome the visit which coincides with historical transformations in the region. “We hope this visit will reflect positively on the future”, he said.       

“You greeted your receivers by saying ‘I grant you my peace; you are the messenger of peace; you chose Lebanon as your Middle Eastern destination to reassure all the people at this decisive phase, and to remind the Lebanese of the humanitarian value of their country and of the Lebanese balance which is a model to the region and the world.” he said.        

“At the same time, you reassured other Arab communities, anxious over transformations overtaking some Arab regions. You called for freedom and for avoiding violence”, Hariri added.    

Hariri said that the call made by the Holy See today from Lebanon, “the country that adhered to its principles despite all challenges it faced," came in tune with our values and principles, most particularly freedom of belief, freedom of opinion, respect for others, moderation and coexistence. “It is also in line with the legitimate aspirations of free people everywhere.”