Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam receives Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II

9/8/14

On Friday August 8, 2014, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II paid a visit to His Excellency Mr. Tammam Salam, the Prime Minister of Lebanon in the Grand Serail in Beirut. His Holiness was accompanied by their Eminences: Mor Theophilus George Saliba, Archbishop of Mount Lebanon and Tripoli and General Secretary of the Holy Synod, Mor Clemis Daniel Kourieh, Metropolitan of Beirut and Mor Dionysius Jean Kawak, Patriarchal Office Director in addition to the president of the Syriac League in Lebanon Mr. Habib Afram. Mr. Mohammad Al-Mashnouq, Minister of Environment in Lebanon also attended the meeting. During his visit, His Holiness discussed the current affairs with His Excellency the Prime Minister.

In particular, they talked about the situation of the Christians in the Middle East in view of the recent developments in Mosul and the tragic events which resulted in the mass exodus of our people from the towns and villages of the Nineveh Plain. His Holiness also praised the role of the Lebanese Army and members of the Security forces in defending the country against terrorists who tried to take control of the town of Arsal. In turn, His Excellency Lebanese Prime Minister Salam expressed his concerns about the Christian presence in the Middle East. He highlighted the long history of Muslim-Christian mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. His Excellency Prime Minister Salam invited His Holiness to a banquet in his honor.

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