REPORT: MP Aoun holds Arab regimes responsible for protecting Christians

         
Recommendations issued by the Christians of the Orient conference noted on Sunday that the Christian community in the region is endangered, adding that the whole region will be dragged to wars if the Christians' presence was eradicated. 

"The presence of Christians is key to uphold tolerance and peace," the recommendations said.

They added that the Christians' presence in Lebanon requires three conditions: upholding the state's sovereignty, ensuring a fair participation of parties in power and safeguarding the citizens' freedom in regards to all state affairs.

In this regard, Change and Reform bloc leader MP Michel Aoun said in his speech that takfiri groups contradict in their way of thinking all types of human rights and reject democracy.

He also said it was the duty of Arab regimes to protect the Christian community in the Orient, warning against the rise of Salafist groups.

“Our societies today are reeling from the comeback of Salafism and therefore, we should raise our voice and issue warnings,” Aoun stated.

He added that the Christians should resort to a democratic state amid the rise of Takfiri groups and totalitarianism.

“A powerful state could not be built without change and reform,” Aoun told the conference's participants.

For his part, caretaker Minister of Labor Salim Jreissati stressed that parliaments after the Taef accord did not ensure fairness among the Lebanese sects.           

"An effective partnership in the national decision-making process requires a strong president, a fair representation in parliament as well as the adoption of a fair electoral law, Jreissati added.

In turn, former minister Karim Pakradouni said the demographic imbalance was the result of nationalization, resettlement and immigration.

He also urged the Christian gathering to reconsider the decision concerning nationalization and nationality restoration, highlighting the need to reform the state's public administrations. 

During his speech, he also tackled the necessity to fight corruption, hold the perpetrators accountable and implement a transparent financial policy, considering that water and oil are "tools" that aim to ensure Lebanon's sovereignty.


For the full report, please click on the VIDEO above