The Maronite bishops council called for a political settlement for the current crisis in Syria, as it urged the ratification a new electoral law

The Maronite bishops council called for a political settlement for the current crisis in Syria, as it urged the ratification a new electoral law and forming a new government.

In a statement following their meeting in Bkirki Monday, the bishops emphasized on the importance of halting violence in Syria, urging a political settlement for the crisis, as they called on the international community to contribute to efforts aiming at solving the conflict in the Arab country.

Headed by Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi, the gatherers voiced concern over what the strife in Syria would lead to, stressing the need to release the two bishops Yohanna Ibrahim and Boulos Yaziji, who were kidnapped last month by armed groups near Aleppo in Syria.

On the Lebanese issue, the bishops said they reject extension of parliament's mandate without an agreement over a new electoral law.

“The new law must offer fair representation for all sides,” the statement said as the bishgops t called on Lebanese factions to reach an agreement over the formation of a new government.

“We call on all parties to end their rhetoric of treason, which will only rekindle old grudges and wounds,” thesaid.