Sfeir will not visit Syria
Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 5/3/2001

In a statement released by the Maronite patriarchs held under his chairmanship, the Maronite patriarch Nasrullah Sfeir said: " the Patriarch had the intention to visit Syria to escort the Pope John during his visit, but the political dimension such a visit has taken for the Lebanese public opinion, made it a case that seems out of the confine of the church."

Sources in Beirut said that the atmospheres are suitable for this visit and that the doors were open for it, noting that the indirect dialogue between Bkerky and Damascus, will, from now on pass through Baabda palace.

Meantime, circles close to Bkeky said that the reasons which made the patriarch take such a decision not to visit Damascus were " logistic" reasons as the program of the Pope's visit does not permit the patriarch to make deepened talks in order to conclude positive results out of this visit.

However, Lebanese sources close to Damascus replied this statement by saying that it was needed from the first visit of the patriarch to deal with all debated issues, rather than when such a visit is made, it will open the door vast before natural relations that pave the way before a productive dialogue in the future.

Previous Stories:
  On Sfeir's visit to Damascus   (4/25/2001)
  Al- Hariri encourages Sfeir to visit Damascus   (4/23/2001)
  On the Syrian presence in Lebanon   (4/16/2001)

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