Return of Direct Communication Between Bkirki and the Shiite Council

The movement of communication between the Maronite Patriarchate and the Higher Islamic Shiite Council is intensifying. Deputy Chairman of the Council, Sheikh Ali Khali, received Bishop Paul Matar and former Minister Wadi Khazen, envoy from Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi, yesterday at the council's headquarters. They discussed national issues and the developments in Lebanon and the region. Khali stated: "We in the council consider that the Lebanese are brothers and partners in the homeland; a Muslim is responsible for protecting his Christian brother just as a Christian is responsible for protecting his Muslim brother." Bishop Matar remarked: "It was a brotherly and very good meeting; we and you, brothers, have relationships that go deep into history and geography in Lebanon, and these constants will remain. The relationship between us is continuous and strong." Sources following the meeting indicated that the Matar-Khali meeting contributed to easing tensions and restoring direct communication, with both sides affirming their commitment to co-existence as called for by His Holiness the Pope, stating that without this coexistence, there is no Lebanon or Christians in it. However, information confirmed that there was no agreement for a meeting between the council's deputy chairman and Patriarch Al-Rahi in the near future, as there is no need for it now that matters have returned to normal, though nothing prevents a meeting later on.