The Maronite bishops synod backed on Saturday the Baabda Declaration made following the national dialogue held last week, saying it guarantees security stability in Lebanon.

The Maronite bishops synod backed on Saturday the Baabda Declaration made following the national dialogue held last week, saying it guarantees security stability in Lebanon, local Naharnet website reported.

Following a six-day synod held under Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi in Bkirki, the bishops said in a statement they have high hopes on the all-party talks held under President Michel Sleiman.

They backed the declaration issued following the national dialogue session, saying it is a foundation for the end of the political, economic and social crisis in the country, and leads to security.

In the Baabda Declaration, 16 political leaders from both the March 8 majority coalition and the March 14 opposition agreed to avoid rhetoric that fuels sectarian incitement.

They also pledged to consolidate stability to prevent the country from descending into strife.

The bishops also urged authorities to implement a development plan for the industry, agriculture and tourism sectors and called for providing job opportunities for the Lebanese.

The bishops synod ended on Saturday with a mass that was celebrated by al-Rahi, who in his sermon, welcomed the election of five new bishops during the six-day gathering.