“Lebanon grows stronger when its people are united”

The spiritual Christian-Muslim summit held in Dar El Fatwa called for promoting relations between the two religious groups in Lebanon and the Arab world.

Seventeen religious figures including Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai and Mufti of the Republic Sheikh Mohammad Rashid Qabbani took part in the summit.

A concluding statement was issued emphasizing the important and historical role played by the Christians in the Middle East.

 “A direct and open dialogue, respect for the principle of equality and preserving peaceful coexistence are needed”, the statement said, adding “Lebanon grows stronger when its people are united”.

The statement stressed the importance of building on the popular movements taking the Arab world by storm, to protect it and avoid slipping into the danger zone.

The statement refused injustice, tyranny and any form of foreign interference, adding: “We refuse to accept resettlement [of Palestinians outside of their homelands].

Liberating the rest of the occupied Lebanese and Arab territories is a national and Arab duty that goes hand in hand with UN resolutions.”

The participants agreed on proceeding with consultations, no matter the circumstances.

At the opening of the summit, the Grand Mufti of the Lebanese Republic Sheikh Mohammad Rashid Qabbani said that the Muslims and Christians pledge to remain nonviolent and stay united, adding that this summit is both historical and exceptional.

Mufti Qabbani added that Dar El Fatwa in Lebanon is everyone’s home just as Lebanon is everyone’s nation.

For his part, Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai said that he sought France’s help to equip the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).

Rai called on PM Najib Mikati and former PM Saad Hariri to work side by side to strengthen the LAF.  Rai hoped that “Syria’s turmoil will not lead to a civil war that could extend into Lebanon, since the two countries are bound together”.