Patriarch Yazigi, Italian FM: Dialogue is the only Way to Resolve Crisis in Syria

BEIRUT,(ST)_ Patriarch of Antioch and All the East for Greek Orthodox John X Yazigi and Italian Foreign Minister Emma Bonino ,  confirmed the importance of dialogue as the only way to resolve the crisis in Syria.

In a joint statement issued by the Orthodox Patriarchate  yesterday, the two sides stressed during the meeting in the Italian capital on the need to resort to  dialogue as the only way to reach  Syria to the path of salvation .

Both  patriarch Yazigi and minister Bonino, noted the need to renounce violence and extremism and adopt the logic of peace to reach the Middle East to safety.

Patriarch Yazigi : peace in Syria does not come by rockets and battleships

In a speech at the opening session of the conference organized by Sant’Egidio fraternity under the title of “courage please .. religions and cultures are  in dialogue,” Patriarch Yazigisaid that “peace in Syria does not come by destructive missile and warships , but the will of the outside and the inside ,” the logic of dialogue and efforts to install a peaceful political solution .

The patriarch renewed  the  call for peace in Syria and the region , saying that ” Syria is invited through the logic of dialogue and peaceful political solution to eliminate its  crisis ” and be the gorgeous bride of the Orient  because it  ” exported to the world the power of civilization, not the civilization of force” and that “the flags of peace in our Mashreq  is more appealing than  the drums of war . “

He expressed hope that peace would prevail in Syria and Lebanon , calling for a ” concerted effort to wipe every tear  from the eyes of the Syrians and lead the  battle for peace and freedom for  the sake of a new dawn .”

Full compatibility with the Pope towards  what is happening in the region, especially Syria

In a statement yesterday evening  after his return to Beirut coming from the Vatican and his  meeting with Pope Francis , Patriarch Yazigi noted full  compatibility with  Pope Francis of the Vatican towards what is happening in the region and how to deal with these matters , expressing gratitude for the efforts being carried out in order to bring peace to the region, especially in Syria.

” We discussed the situation in the region and conditions  of the kidnapped especially the two bishops held as hostages by the terrorist gangs in northern Syria, Paul Yazigi Metropolitan of Aleppo and Iskenderun and its Surroundings for the Greek  Catholics , and John Ibrahim Metropolitan  of Aleppo and its Surroundings for the Syriac Orthodox Church .” Patriarch Yazigi said.

“We are always in the   hope , as  conditions are hard  in the entire region and also in Syria and  Lebanon ,” the patriarch said,  adding we pray and work, having confidence  and certainty  in our people  in Syria and Lebanon.

“I allow myself to thank  with all deep and fraternal  love from the depths of the heart and full appreciation of the person of His Holiness the Pope in launching  the work of the Church boldly in order to be a message of love and communication  with everyone , whoever this man is ,” describing Pope Francis as a great man of prayer , humility and courage .

T. Fateh