WASHINGTON, D.C., MAY 22, 2008 (Zenit.org).- The Maronite patriarch of Antioch met with U.S. President George Bush on Wednesday, seeking his help to keep Lebanon peaceful and independent.
The White House noted that Cardinal Nasrallah Pierre Sfeir and the president met in the Oval Office "to discuss the unique and important role of the Maronite Christian community in Lebanon. They discussed their common vision of an independent, sovereign and peaceful Lebanon.
"They also acknowledged the agreement signed by Lebanese leaders today in Doha is a step in the right direction. The president reiterated his commitment to supporting Lebanon, and to the full implementation of the Security Council resolutions 1559 and 1701 meant to bring it peace and security."
The cardinal said Monday in Texas that he planned to ask Bush's "help so Lebanon will be sovereign and independent and have the best situation with all her neighbors," the Houston Chronicle reported.
Cardinal Sfeir is on a multi-continent trip that he began May 4. His first stops included Qatar and South Africa, and during the U.S. leg of the trip, he stopped in New York, Philadelphia, and Houston, Texas.
A week ago, he addressed the U.N. Security Council, where he spoke of the various issues facing Lebanon. He also met privately with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
Fighting in Lebanon escalated May 7 when the nation's cabinet banned the communication system used by the Shiite Hezbollah group. More than 80 were killed in what was the worst fighting since the nation's civil war.
The Pope appealed for peace in Lebanon after praying the midday Regina Caeli on May 11 in St. Peter's Square.
Lebanon's complex political and social situation has resulted in a power vacuum in the country. Since November, opposing factions have been unable to come together to elect a president.
But Wednesday in Qatar, with the help of the Arab League, the factions signed a deal that should pave the way to the election of a president. The agreement gives Hezbollah the power of veto.
ZE08052208 - 2008-05-22
Permalink: http://www.zenit.org/article-22660?l=english
Lebanese Cardinal Meets With US President
Patriarch and Bush Discuss "Common Vision" of Independent Nation
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