Local Translator

From Al Intiqad by Hilal Al Salman

A high ranked Syrian source confirmed, in an interview with Al Intiqad newspaper, that Syria does not interfere in any form in the Lebanese government formation, saying that this issue is left for the Lebanese to deal with.

The source stated that Syria's interest lies in a quick birth of a Lebanese government, that could meet the people's needs, and after which no gap is present, not on the security level, nor on the level of the Lebanese citizens' services.

Regarding what has appeared on mutual openness between Syria and the Maronite Patriarch after Patriarch Bechara Al Rahi was elected, the source said that Syria is optimistic regarding the Maronite church's role in deepening the Lebanese national unity, in addition to the relations between Lebanon and Syria.

The Syrian source said this comes also by taking into consideration the spread of the Maronite sect in both countries, in addition to the presence of the shrine of patron saint of the Maronite community in Syria.

The same high ranked Syrian source confirmed to Al Intiqad that Syria represents the model
image for coexistence between Muslims and Christians.
He further referred to the care given by Syrian President Bashar Assad to the village of Brad and the shrine of the patron saint of the Maronite community, also building a home and a church, and presenting all simplifications to facilitate the ways of communication between Brad and the Maronite community in the entire region.

The Syrian source pointed out that what Patriarch Al Rahi said, showing openness regarding Syria, indicates an initiative to increase the areas of communication, in which reflects conciliation and unity among Christians, in addition to the Christian-Islamic relations between both countries.
The Syrian source affirmed that Patriarch Al Rahi is welcomes in Syria anytime.