THE GENERAL Secretary of the World Council of Churches. Dr Philip Potter. has strongly supported a WCC Statement on Lebanon which expresses concern at the present wave or violence in the country.
Dr Potter in a statement issued last a eek, said Lebanon should remain a sovereign country. that it should be considered as a promise, not a problem, demonstrating its earlier role: "a model of how different cultures, religions and peoples can live together in justice and peace".
No lasting security and peace could be established without the determination e to solve the Palestinian problem. Various peace initiatives had failed to produce tangible results, and in such a situation it was necessary to "denounce as cynical and highly dangerous for world peace" any idea that a "limited war" could solve the conflict.
He urged the holding of an international conference involving all parties concerned. including the USA. USSR, EEC and Palestinians, which could he held in Lebanon.
Earlier this month, the International Justice and Peace Commission issued a statement signed by its President. Bishop James O'Brien and the Chairman, Mr Andrew McCarthy. It called for the presence of UN security forces and for international aid to Lebanese wounded and homeless people.