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Labelling the situation in Syria as “Desperate”, Archbishop El-Sayeh of Antioch has called for negotiations in order to prevent War.
As conflict between the Syrian government supporters and opponents is being compared to last year’s fight for control of Libia, the archbishop is pleading for an end to all violence.
“Everybody is suffering in Syria because there is violence coming from every side,” El-Sayeh of Antioch told the international Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need in remarks released on February 20.
“It is a desperate situation, … I wish everyone would sit down and negotiate. Problems cannot be solved by violence.”
However, as Syrian military advanced on regime opponents in the city of Homs, there were few signs of any lasting peace.
At least 5,400 Syrians have died since the movement against President al-Assad began in March 2011, according to U.N. figures released in January 2012. The regime’s crackdown against protesters failed to break their resistance, and international observers are now warning of a civil war.
Pope Benedict too is sharing El-Sayeh’s hopes for peace and has appealed for an end to violence and bloodshed.
In his recent Angelus message the Pontiff said he was following with great concern the dramatic and growing incidents of violence.
Saying it was urgent to respond to the legitimate aspirations of Syrians, the Pontiff invited everyone, and above all the political authorities in Syria to favour dialogue, reconciliation and a commitment to peace.
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