The Maronite Bishops Council urged Lebanese Thursday to commit to their country and reject any foreign meddling.

The Maronite Bishops Council condemned on Thursday the ongoing political divide in Lebanon, urging the Lebanese to commit to their country and reject any foreign meddling.

According to a statement issued following the bishops meeting headed by Patriarch Bechara Boutros al-Rai at the patriarchate’s headquarters in Bkirki, the bishops also praised “the Arab people’s aspiration for political reform and recognition of public and human rights.”

The statement said: “The political divide pains us and we call on the Lebanese to reject any attempts to drive the country towards a confrontation with the international community.”

“We also condemn all that violates the country’s sovereignty, as well as all that destabilizes its security, whether it be through crimes, theft, or violations against public property,” it continued.

“All these developments are a cause for concern and it is as if the Lebanese have not made up their mind about living under the rule of a state where all citizens are equal,” noted the statement.

Addressing regional developments, the Maronite bishops condemned the ongoing violence in the region, voicing their concern over the lack of religious and moral standards in the developments in the Arab world.

The gatherers also discussed Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi’s recent visits to the United States and Iraq.