Qabalan: Politicians should respond to Berri initiative

Source: Daily Star, 29-04-2008
The vice president of the Higher Shiite Islamic Council, Abdel-Amir Qabalan, said during his weekly religious lesson on Monday that "politicians should respond to the different initiatives, especially Speaker Nabih Berri's, in order to get out of the actual deadlock."
Qabalan noted the importance of "doubling efforts" and working in the country's interests, adding that Lebanese leaders should stop giving fiery speeches. "Instead of throwing out accusations at each other, politicians should work together," he was quoted as saying.
The cleric also touched upon the widening economic crisis in Lebanon, saying that some Lebanese "can't even afford medicine and healthcare."
Qabalan called for the creation of an effective health system that would allow any patient to receive medical treatment.
"Any developed and civilized country provides its citizens with basic needs," he said.
Qabalan also spoke about clerics' roles in preserving citizens' rights, "as clerics are those who lead the way to peace and justice."