On May 12, religious figures at the Muslim-Christian summit in Bkirki, Lebanon, have urged politicians to speed up the Cabinet’s formation to fend off regional challenges, and warned against growing internal divisions in Lebanon.

The summit brought together deputy president of the Higher Shiite Council, Abdel Amir Kabalan, Armenian Catholicos of Cilicia Aram I Keshishian, Roman Catholic Antioch Patriarch Gregorios III Laham, Greek Orthodox Archbishop Elias Aoude, Roman Orthodox Patriarch Ignatius IV, Father Riad Jarjoura on behalf of the Evangelical Church in Lebanon and members of the Muslim-Christian national dialogue committee. Vatican Ambassador to Lebanon Bishop Gabriel Caccia also arrived.

Reading the closing statement of the summit, the secretary-general of Christian-Muslim committee for dialogue Mohammad al-Sammak highlighted Lebanon’s need for a strong government and dialogue between its political leaders.

The statement raised nine points which were discussed during closed meetings that took place throughout the morning between religious leaders over the situation in Lebanon and the region, and of Christians living in Arab countries.

The gathering also warned against division in the country which would weaken Lebanon’s ability to face regional challenges, damaging its “genuine message” of coexistence, The Daily Star reported.