Patriarch Yazigi, Russian official discuss dossier of kidnapped bishops and nuns

              
Greek Orthodox Patriarch Youhanna Yazigi discussed on Wednesday with Speaker of the Russian Federation Council Valentina Matviyenko the challenges and threats facing the Middle East as well as the tense circumstances in Syria and the unstable political situation in Lebanon.           

Patriarch Yazigi along with the Russian official stressed the importance of ending the Syrian crisis in a peaceful manner, highlighting the necessity of dialogue as a way to resolve disputes and restore peace.          

They also discussed the Christian presence in the Middle East.          

In this regard, Patriarch Yazigi highlighted the importance of adhering to coexistence and the principle of citizenship where all citizens are equal in rights and duties.            

Yazigi and Matviyenko also discussed the dossier of the kidnapped bishops and the nuns of Maaloula.     In the same context, Patriarch Yazigi praised the efforts exerted by Russian authorities to release the nuns and all other kidnapped citizens.