NNA - The Press Office of the Maronite Patriarchate in Bkerki on Tuesday issued a statement expressing condolences from Maronite Cardinal, Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rahi, stating, "With profound sorrow, I, like all faithful Lebanese, received the tragic news of the kidnapping and assassination of our beloved Pascal Sleiman, the coordinator of the Lebanese Forces Party in the district of Jbeil, within less than 24 hours (from Sunday afternoon to last Monday afternoon). We had all hoped he would be alive, as initially speculated. However, the harsh reality proved otherwise. Thus, I offer prayers for his soul's rest and extend condolences to his grieving family, his comrades in the Lebanese Forces Party, led by Dr. Samir Geagea, the party's leader. In this delicate and politically, security, and socially tense situation, we call for calm and restraint, urging the judiciary and security forces to fulfill their duty and impose the harshest penalties on the criminals. We also urge the media not to propagate misleading interpretations or fuel the flames of discord. His grieving wife has set a remarkable example for all Lebanese with her response: 'We are children of the resurrection, children of hope,' refraining from calling for revenge or violence. May God protect Lebanon and its people from the wicked."

Additionally, al-Rahi received in Bkerki today MPs Ziad Hawat and Melhem Riachi.

The Maronite Patriarch also welcomed in Bkerki the Lebanese Army Commander, General Joseph Aoun.

============R.H.