Maronite delegation visits Sidon's political and religious dignitaries

Bishop Boulos Sayah dispatched by Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai visited on Friday Sidon political and religious dignitaries accompanied by Bishop Elias Nassar.

The delegation paid a visit to the Maronite Diocese in Sidon, then visited the Sidon Serail where they were received by the southern city's security apparatuses leaders.

During the visit, Bishop Sayah noted that Patriarch Bechara Rai "followed up the Sidon incidents with great concern", noting that he called on various parties to hold dialogue.

Bishop Sayah also offered his condolences for the fallen victims in Sidon's incidents, then paid a visit to the Lebanese army barracks in the city to meet with the military leadership in the region.

He also visited the Jaafari mufti of Sidon Sheikh Mohammad Osseiran who welcomed the delegation, noting that the visit comes "to restore relations between Sidon's residents of all sects."

Patriarch Rai's envoy Bishop Boulos Sayah said after meeting Sidon figures that he met with the governor, the officials, the army and the religious leaders of the city, and addressed Sidon residents by saying that what had happened was something that the city did not want and was not part of its spirit and identity.

He said that he is pleased to see reconstruction works in Sidon and the restoration of the spirit of brotherhood promoted by the city's figures.

Bishop Sayyah reiterated support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and hoped the army would protect all citizens.

For his part, MP Fouad Siniora thank Patriarch Rai for dispatching the bishops, adding that it is a call for moderation, which is the trait of Sidon, "the city of coexistence."

He also stressed the need to return to the "state of institutions", noting that the security apparatuses in Lebanese are capable of protecting the Lebanese people.

He also reiterated that illegal weapons result in a chain reaction including the wave of extremism evident in the country.

MP Siniora concluded by saying that "the phenomenon" of Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir was a direct result of Hezbollah's weapons.

Reports said the Imam had failed to mention Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir in his speech, thus triggering a wave of anger among the attenders.

The area remains embroiled in sporadic tensions following the violence which had erupted almost two weeks ago.

Fighting in Sidon city began Sunday (23 June) after troops arrested a follower of hardline Sunni cleric Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir.

The army says the cleric's supporters opened fire without provocation on an army checkpoint.

Official reports said at least 17 soldiers were killed and 50 were wounded in the fighting while more than 20 of al-Assir's supporters died in the battle, according to a security official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to talk to reporters.

Al-Assir is a virulent critic of the powerful Shiite group Hezbollah group, which along with its allies dominates Lebanon's government.

He supports rebels fighting to oust Syria's President Bashar Assad.

The fighting between troops and armed supporters of al-Assir have transformed the city, which had been largely spared the violence plaguing border areas near Syria, into a combat zone.