Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Beirut (Fides Service)- “The only way to stop terrorism is to eliminate the causes” said Maronite Catholic priest Fr. Maroun Abouzeid parish priest of Notre-Dame de Maamarieh near Sidone, southern Lebanon. “Europe and the United States must realiste that dialogue with Islam is the only way out of this situation. The West must unite with the Muslim world to solve social, political and economic problems in the Middle East which are at the root of terrorism” the priest told Fides.
“What makes a young man become a suicide bomber?” Fr Maroun asks. “Certainly brain washing by people who exploit religious sentiments and can convince a young man that if he blows himself to pieces to kill a few “infidels” he is obeying the Koran and will merit paradise” the priest said. “But at the root there are always social and economic difficulties and terrorist organisations in search of young men willing to make this sacrifice promise the families of suicide bombers a lot of money. It is imperative therefore the improve general living conditions of the peoples in the Middle East”.
“Nevertheless I am optimistic, dialogue is possibile and of this Lebanon is a good example” Fr. Maroun said. “In Lebanon people of different religions collaborate in development and social programmes with excellent results and this helps forge good relations and even friendship”.
“The great majority of the people I meet want only to live in peace not to be suicide bombers. So I am confident that we Christians in the Middle East can be a bridge between west and east and promote the dialogue necessary for real peace” the priest concluded. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 8/7/2005 righe 29 parole 350)
