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Strike against Catholic radio station and church in Lebanon
| Two people killed and 27 injured in explosion. The headquarters of “Voice of Charity” and the church of St John the Apostle are destroyed. | ||
Beirut (AsiaNews) – A pure manifestation of hate. This is how Fr Fadi Tabet, Marronite missionary and director-general of “Voice of Charity” – the only Christian radio station in Lebanon – described an explosion which only a few hours ago destroyed the radio headquarters and the ancient church of St John the Apostle. Two people were killed in the blast in the city of Jounieh north of Beirut. Fr Tabet said: “This crime is an offence against God, man and Lebanese society. A pure manifestation of hate.” The radio station has already resumed broadcasts from another base. The church of St John the Apostle has been almost completely destroyed: a historic altar and picture of the apostle John were burned in the explosion; both were considered works of internationally renowned artistic value. The explosive was planted in an abandoned house close by the radio. Already four bombs have gone off in Christian areas in Lebanon since the assassination of former Prime Minister Hariri on 14 February; three people were killed and around 40 wounded in the strikes.
The Lebanese population has unanimously condemned the attack, not least because the radio has never been accused of fanaticism; even Muslim sources say it is a good instrument of inter-religious dialogue. The damage done is estimated to be around 15 million US dollars. In Lebanon, preparations continue for the return of General Michel Aoun after 15 years of political exile in France. Contacted by telephone by AsiaNews, General Aoun said: “This explosion is a new appeal to consciences so that they may leave the country in peace”. The general confirmed his return to Lebanon today, reiterating his whole-hearted decision in the desire “to keep the flame of the 14 March revolution alive”. On 14 February, Christian, Sunnite and Druse forces united to ask for the withdrawal of Syrian military forces and the resignation of the government, considered close to Damascus. Thanks to pressure from the UN Security Council, the last soldiers returned to Syria on 30 April. Nevertheless, many suspect that agents of the Syrian Secret Services are still present in the country. (YH) |
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Eastern Catholic Ping List
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