For Immediate Release
March 17, 2005

Global Message

From remarks by Lebanese Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Sfeir in a meeting with President Bush, The Oval Office, 3/16/05

We are hopeful that the Lebanese people, with the support of their friends around the world, will be able to build a better future in a free, independent, pluralistic and sovereign Lebanon.

It is important to recall that Lebanon was the first democratic country in the region. Maybe it was not a perfect democracy, but Lebanon remains the point of departure for the spread of democracy in the region.

Lebanon looks forward to the day when migration by their youth because of lack of job opportunity is reversed.

The future of Lebanon requires the talents and energy of all her children.