Maronite Bishops Condemn Israeli Strikes, Urge Economic Reforms
Maronite bishops, meeting in Bkerke under Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros Rahi, condemned continued Israeli attacks on South Lebanon and urged international efforts to facilitate residents’ return, support ongoing negotiations and advance the process of placing all weapons under state authority.
In a statement, the bishops also voiced concern over worsening economic and financial conditions, rising living costs, declining job opportunities and youth emigration. They called for faster reforms, curbing corruption, fairer tax policies and the return of depositors’ funds.
The bishops welcomed official Lebanese-Syrian rapprochement based on mutual respect for sovereignty and called for regulated, secure borders and stronger economic cooperation.
They also urged the government to preserve national balance, competence and academic standards in appointments and in the full-time employment file at the Lebanese University.
