Christian Front in Lebanon remembers Patriarch Sfeir, calls for national opposition to threat of Iranian occupation

BEIRUT — In a recent gathering held at its headquarters in the Achrafieh suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, the Christian Front in Lebanon invoked a pivotal document and statement issued by the Bishops of the Syriac Maronite Church in 2000. The document served as the foundation for the initiation of a comprehensive national resistance movement against the then Syrian occupation of Lebanon.

In a statement, the Christian Front emphasized that Lebanon urgently requires the vision championed by Patriarch Mar Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir and the enduring wisdom encapsulated in the bishops’ declaration from that era. These principles are instrumental in catalyzing an all-encompassing national uprising to liberate Lebanon from the grip of Iranian occupation, which is no less dangerous than the Syrian occupation of the civil war, according to the Front.

The Front stressed the gravity of the current situation, noting that the nation is subjected to an occupation that perpetrates violence, abductions, and surrenders Lebanon’s resources to Iran, primarily through its proxy Hezbollah. This, in turn, allows Iran to leverage its influence in international negotiations.

Moreover, the Front asserted that all international endeavors aimed at resolving Lebanon’s predicament have thus far fallen short of expectations. Lebanese citizens are hoping for the United Nations and major world powers take decisive steps to enforce international resolutions. A paramount objective of such action would be the disarmament of the Iranian militia and all other armed factions, including Palestinian and other paramilitary groups operating within Lebanese borders.

Additionally, the Front sounded a warning about the alarming influx of Syrian refugees crossing into Lebanon. Lebanon, a country of roughly 5.6 million people and experiencing a deep economic crisis, already hosts an estimated 1.5 million Syrian refugees, according to the UN Refugee Agency.