Patriarch Lahham Calls on International Community to Support Political Solution in Syria

Damascus, (ST)_ Patriarch Gregory III Laham, of Antioch, Alexandria ,Jerusalem and all the East of the  Greek Catholics  renewed call on  the whole world to stop the flow of arms to Syria,  urging  the international community to support Syria in its efforts to achieve the process of dialogue as a prelude for a political solution to the crisis.

“We appeal to the God Almighty to bless the souls of  martyrs and victims who fell in the terrorist bombing in Damascus Thursday of civilians , students, children and for a speedy recovery to the injured and commiseration  to those who lost their beloved relatives.” Patriarch Lahham added in a statement on Friday .

“we appeal the world’s conscience ,presidents, institutions , nations ,global forums , advocates of peace ,  to His Holiness the Pope ,to the episcopal conferences in the Christian world and Arab countries  leaders to listen to our voices and not to ignore  their responsibility towards , killings, violence and destruction, bombings and sowing  discord , hatred and hostility among the  people of one homeland. ”

He  stressed “support for the efforts to convene  dialogue” because ” dialogue is the  program  of the Government and people of Syria and because it is our  heritage and part of  our conviction” appealing to everyone to join Syria ‘s  march for dialogue and reconciliation.

The Patriarch also appealed  the UN Security Council ,the European Union and all countries of the world  to support national  dialogue, peaceful solution and  stop arming combatants, calling on Russia and the US in particular, “to continue  sincere in support  of dialogue and peaceful  solution  to eliminate  the sufferings of Syrians.

The patriarch also  renewed call on  Damascene Patriarchate parishioners  to fast and pray for the safety, security and peace in Syria and for the success of the dialogue  and reconciliation efforts.

T. Fateh