By Xinhua,
Beirut : A national Christian gathering was launched to voice opposition to the U.S. foreign policy instead of “the American people” at the call of Christian opposition leader Michel Aoun, local As-Safir daily reported Saturday.
Around 150 Lebanese Christian political, economic and social figures convened to declare the birth of a Christian front, National Christian Gathering (NCG).
“Disagreement with the U.S. administration does not mean enmity with the American people,” said Aoun, who is heading the gathering.
Aoun labeled Christian in Lebanon “pioneers,” and called for solidarity with other sects.
“Lebanon, a small and fragile country, remains hostage to its location which is a crossroad between the East and the West,” he said, adding that “Christians in Lebanon are of the East and their role is vital.”
A document of the NCG which was announced during the launching said that “Lebanon can only survive through a partnership between strong Christians and strong Muslims.”
Christian pro-government groups, the Lebanese forces and Kataeb party led by former President Amin Gemayel did not participate in the gathering.
The U.S. backs the ruling coalition of a Sunni majority in Lebanon, while the Christian majority have lined up with the Shiite-led opposition.