REPORT: Obama meets with Patriarchs of the East: agreement reached to reject violence and prejudice

President Obama joined Thursday the meeting held at the White House between National Security Advisor Susan Rice’s and a delegation of Christian religious leaders from the Middle East led by Lebanese Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Rai. 

The conferees discussed the difficult situation of the Christians in the Middle East and the challenges they face across the region due to the rise of extremism. 

For his part, President Obama reinforced the commitment of the United States to counter the threat posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and other terrorist groups to the people of Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and to the broader Middle East, as well as US nationals, allies and interests in the region. 

He highlighted that the United States will continue to support partners in the region, like the Lebanese Armed Forces, that are working to fight ISIL and promote regional stability. 

The delegations agreed on the need for all leaders in the region to reject violence and prejudice and call for moderation, tolerance of other views and religions, and an end to sectarian divisions.


To watch Hoda Chedid's report, please click on the video above.