From Catholic News Service

Lebanese bishops urge sharing burden of refugees

By Doreen Abi Raad, Catholic News Service

BEIRUT, Lebanon (CNS) -- Lebanon's Maronite Catholic bishops urged the international community to help bear the responsibility of Palestinian refugees and expressed concern about recent Syrian military incursions into Lebanon.

"The Palestinian question is still a cause of worry to the Palestinians and the world, especially the countries where Palestinians took refuge," the bishops said in a statement following a May 3 meeting. Some 400,000 Palestinian refugees live in Lebanon, and the presence of weapons outside the refugee camps continues to be an unresolved issue.

"The international community cannot wash its hands of this problem" of Palestinian refugees, because they are burdening the host countries, the bishops said. "The international community must bear its responsibility until it finds the awaited solutions."

The bishops also addressed recent Syrian army incursions into Lebanon, particularly with the erection of sandbag barriers that stretch approximately two miles. Syria had withdrawn its forces from Lebanon in May 2005, after nearly 30 years of occupying the country.

These incursions "do not reassure that the relations between the two countries are heading toward a solution" and are harmful for both Lebanon and Syria, said the bishops. "What is required is to fold up the page of disputes and open a new page of cooperation within the frame of sovereignty, independence and total freedom of both countries."

The bishops also called attention to continuing disputes among political leaders, who despite their participation in a series of national dialogue meetings have failed to agree on a number of issues, particularly the presidency.

"The situation in Lebanon does not seem to be progressing toward the desired solutions," the bishops' statement said. "Every (political) party hangs on to its position, while the people's daily affairs are becoming more difficult with each day. This is not a sign that the governing class cares."

The bishops also denounced the growing problem of sectarianism in Lebanon.

"The formation of community blocs has never -- neither in Lebanon or anywhere else -- built a homeland," they said, adding that one of the main characteristics of Lebanon is that the country includes religious communities "whose children live together in an atmosphere of friendship and understanding."

The bishops said that whenever the citizens of one community strive to take over government offices without sharing "they stray from the path that leads to the building of a state with strong bases and sound goals."

Of Lebanon's approximate population of 4 million, about 40 percent is Christian, and most of them are Maronite Catholics. Among the 18 denominations represented in Lebanon, 12 are Christian and five are Muslim.

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