President Aoun Urges Preservation of Christian Presence in Arab Levant in Meeting With Assyrian Church of the East Patriarch

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun received Patriarch Mar Awa III of the Assyrian Church of the East, along with a delegation from the community, and stressed the pivotal role Christians play in the Arab Levant, which he described as the cradle of civilizations and religions. The Patriarch was accompanied by Metropolitan Mar Milès Zaya, Father George Yohanna, Father Ninos Odeh and Mr. Isam Al-Asaad.

Aoun said Christians in the Arab Levant “are not merely a religious minority, but are an integral part of the social, cultural and civilizational fabric of this region.” He noted that Levantine Christians contributed to building Arab and Islamic civilization and were pioneers in the sciences, medicine, philosophy, literature and the arts.

Aoun pointed to “what Christians have been subjected to recently in a number of countries” and called for an end to the emigration of Eastern Christians. He described emigration caused by instability and conflict as a “human hemorrhage” that deprives the region of expertise and energies that cannot easily be replaced. He urged concerned parties in countries with increasing Christian emigration not only to protect Christians but also to affirm full and equal citizenship for all, without discrimination on the basis of religion or sect, a commitment to defending those who cannot easily defend themselves (Proverbs 31:8-9).

Aoun further emphasized that “the future of the Arab Levant is closely linked to preserving its religious and cultural diversity,” and said the presence of Christians in the region is “not merely a historical right but a civilizational necessity and a strategic interest for all the peoples of the region.”

Patriarch Mar Awa III opened the meeting by congratulating Aoun on his election and conveying the wishes of the members of the Assyrian community for success in the historic responsibilities placed on him. He said: “We pray for the success of your efforts in preserving the future of Lebanon and its role in its surroundings and the world.”

The Patriarch then reviewed the situation of Assyrians in several Arab countries, drawing attention to emigration from several of these countries as a result of events there. The discussion also covered the situation of Assyrians in Lebanon, Syria and Iraq. He affirmed the Assyrians’ attachment to remaining in their lands and continuing to take part in the societies in which they live, despite the difficult conditions they have endured.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Arabic)