PARIS, (SANA) – Maronite Patriarch Bshara al-Rai expressed his understanding of President al-Assad's stance, voicing his concern over a transitional stage in Syria that "might threaten the Christians of the East."
During a conference for France's bishops on Thursday, al-Rai hoped that more opportunities would be given for political reforms which have been started by President Bashar al-Assad.
"I want to be objective. President al-Assad started a series of political reforms. More opportunities should be given for internal dialogue and supporting reforms", he said.
He added that it is in the interest of Lebanon that Syria lives in peace, stressing his concern over what is happening in the region and that the image of Iraq is haunting him.
Aoun: Syria is targeted for supporting resistance
In the same context, Leader of the Lebanese Change and Reform Bloc, Michel Aoun, stressed that Syria is being targeted because of its stance in support of the Resistance against the Israeli occupation.
In an interview with the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation (LBC) on Thursday, Aoun clarified that the West wishes to achieve the interests of Israel at the expense of the Arab people, adding that the West is trading in human rights to instigate chaos in Syria.
He underscored the national Syrian stances in support of the Resistance which "gave pride to all the Arab people".
He said that President Bashar al-Assad started the implementation of reforms that he promised, adding that the more the West is agitated against Syria, the stronger Syria will become.