MARONITE BISHOPS STATEMENT

NATIONAL ALLIANCE OF LEBANESE AMERICANS (NALA)

September 1, 2004

            The officers and members of the National Alliance of Lebanese Americans (NALA) issues this statement in strong support of the statement released by the monthly conclave of the Maronite bishops under Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir at his summer residence in North Lebanon's Diman.  The Patriarch and the Bishops of the Maronite Church have assumed their traditional duties as not only the symbols of Lebanese unity and independence, but as actors in reclaiming Lebanese independence.  The National Alliance gives its full support as well to the courageous stand taken by Walid Jumblatt and the 16 Deputies to Parliament who are steadfast in their resolute stand against the Syrian dictated amendment of the Lebanese constitution.

The National Alliance calls upon all Deputies to the Lebanese Parliament to rally to the side of the Deputies who have followed Mr. Jumblatt’s lead and to join in the spirit of the statement issued by the Maronite conclave to give rebirth to Lebanese independence on September 2, 2004.

The National Alliance calls upon the people of Lebanon to rally around all Members of Parliament who in the face of foreign intimidation remain resolute in voting against the Syrian inspired amending of the Lebanese Constitution.  Only the people of Lebanon acting through their elected representatives have the right and the power to amend their constitution and no power or authority outside of the Lebanese people may usurp that right.  This should be the message of the people of Lebanon to anyone who dare try. 

The National Alliance, through it Government Affairs Officers and Policy Advisors are working tirelessly in the United States with the United States Government to win the support of the United Nations for a new resolution on the sovereignty and independence of Lebanon and her right to conduct elections without outside interference from any party.  The United States Government is working with the National Alliance and others to assist the Lebanese at this critical time to support those Members of Parliament in their determination not to let their Constitution be altered or amended or its head of state be chosen by anyone other than the representatives of the People of Lebanon and other than by the will of the People of Lebanon. 

Upon passage of this resolution in the United Nations, the National Alliance would call upon the Lebanese of all faiths and all parties to come down to the street in support of Lebanese independence.