"For its experience of life and inter-community and intercultural cooperation, Lebanon is a ‘treasure’ entrusted to all the Lebanese. So it is their duty to protect it and make it bear fruit, for the good of the whole Nation". It was said by Pope Benedict XVI, as he received the credentials of the new ambassador of Lebanon, Georges Chakib El Khoury, in the Vatican this morning. For its "centuries-old history" and its "location in the heart of a complex regional context", Lebanon went on the Holy Father has, as its "essential mission", that of "contributing to peace and agreement among everyone". According to the Pope, Lebanon "should be a training ground for looking for effective solutions to the conflicts that have been upsetting the Middle East for so long". Then, the Pope congratulated him on the "brave efforts that have been made over the last few months" to "bring political life back" to its "normal routine", such as the election of the President of the Republic, the formation of a nationally-united government and the approval of a new electoral law. "However he added , the tensions that unfortunately still go on show that it is necessary to determinedly go on along the way that was opened a few months ago by the Doha Agreements". (continued) ” “
