Sidon religious leaders call for calm, cooperation

Spiritual leaders met in Sidon Thursday to increase ties of religious cooperation and call for calm in the country. The meeting included leading Muslim and Christian religious figures including Mufti Salim Sousan, Mufti Mohammad Osseiran, Deacon Nicolas Bassil, Bishop Elias Nassar and Bishop Elie Haddad. The group met at Sidon’s Catholic Archdioceses and discussed tensions in the city and a renewed period of calm. Sectarian and political tension spiked recently in the southern city when Islamist Sheikh Ahmad Assir blocked the city’s main road for over a month. The leaders praised the efforts that were made by official and unofficial groups and figures to ease the tensions in the city and solve problems. The gathering also discussed quality of life for city residents as well as social and security issues. The leaders stressed the need for authorities to care for people’s social issues. They said necessities like water and electricity made daily life very difficult. The spiritual figures called on all figures and authorities to continue making efforts to help the city and its surrounding area avoid any acts that might harm coexistence and the economic prosperity. They stressed that Sidon will remain diverse and an example of coexistence for the Lebanese. The religious leaders also hoped that other areas in Lebanon would follow Sidon’s example and prevent religious strife from coming to the country. Strife in an area or region will threaten civil peace in the entire country, they said. The leaders also discussed the situation in Syria and called for peaceful solutions, mainly dialogue, to find the appropriate political resolution. They hoped the Lebanese would not be affected by spillover violence from the fighting in Syria. They also welcomed Pope Benedict XVI’s September visit and urged all parties to facilitate his trip. They stressed the important of such a high spiritual leader showing interest in Lebanon and said it provided an opportunity to exchange more religious minded ideas. The pope is scheduled to arrive in Lebanon on Sept. 14 and hold a youth meeting and a Mass as well as meet with Lebanese political and religious figures. (daily star)