Maronite Bishops: Use of Chemical Weapons in Syria elevated war severity

 
Maronite bishops said Wednesday that the wars taking place in the region as well as the security breaches occurring in Lebanon are leaving a negative impact on the touristic and economic sectors in the country.                 

Following their monthly meeting under the chairmanship of Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Beshara Boutros Rai, the bishops denounced the latest security incidents that took place in Lebanon, especially the explosions that left more than 70 persons killed and hundreds others injured, in addition to the material losses "that have placed the country on the brink of a sectarian strife."                           

The bishops added that “the Syrian war is taking a dangerous path due to the use of chemical weapons against civilians and the foreign threats of launching a military strike at Damascus.”                   

In this regard, the bishops called on countries to act reasonably and on the basis of the legal and diplomatic means in order to end the Syrian war and spread peace in the region.               
On another note, the bishops called on Lebanese officials to put aside their individual interests and unite their efforts to form a cabinet capable of dealing with the current situation and protecting the Lebanese citizens and institutions.