The Maronite Bishops Council lamented on Wednesday the ongoing political deadlock in Lebanon given the failure to form a new government and convene parliament and given the unrest in the northern city of Tripoli.

It said: “Parliament and Tripoli have become arenas for rival political parties to settle their scores.”

It made its remarks after its monthly meeting at Bkirki headed by Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi.

“We are disappointed with the political powers’ failure to form a new government that would help end the political deadlock, put an end to the spread of illegitimate arms, and ease the people’s daily concerns,” it added.

Moreover, it noted: “The unrest in Tripoli stems from regional powers settling their scores in the city.”

It therefore demanded that political cover for the gunmen in the city be removed, while voicing it support for the implementation of the security plan in the area. [Link]