NCF: Lebanon can only survive through Christian-Islam partnership

Source: Al-Manar TV, 05-07-2008

The first National Christian Forum was launched on Friday. Following Aoun's address, the Gathering 12-point charter was declared.

Former Chairman of the Bar Association Shakib Qortbawi read out the statement.
"Lebanon can only survive through a partnership between strong Christians and strong Muslims," the document said.

It called for a "civic state and adherence to the rights of the various sects in a pluralist Lebanon."
The statement called for a security system to protect Lebanon from all attacks and preserve its sovereignty, particularly against ‘Israel'.

It said the Christians are "misrepresented" and criticized the decrease in presidential powers.
The document rejected the naturalization law and its implications and called for the re-creation of the middle class.

It criticized "political money" and rejected "auto security."

The document also called for a "historic settlement" of Lebanese-Syrian relations.

It called for respecting the constitution and for redistribution of seats in some election constituencies.

The statement also covered the danger of Palestinian resettlement, which would overturn the demographic equation in Lebanon and only exacerbate the crisis in a country lacking sufficient natural resources.

The statement focused on immigration, the diaspora's right to Lebanese citizenship.

It spoke of a leading role by Lebanon's Christians and declared commitment to international humanitarian law.