The Italian contingent continues to promote interfaith dialogue by organizing a meeting between the religious authorities of the main monotheistic religions present in southern Lebanon in their area of responsibility.
The work was opened by the commander of the Sector West, gen. Nitti, who, after having introduced the theme of the meeting focused on the concept of hospitality as a value at the center of every social community, invited the authorities to discuss the universal meaning of this term regardless of its religious value.
It is in this context that a very current debate has developed, focusing on the importance of hospitality, on mutual respect for cultures and traditions. Only through respect can dialogue exist and through this sentiment the development of society itself is promoted.
The Italian initiative was joined by the Shiite mufti of Tire, Hassan Abdullah, the Sunni imam, Issan Khassab, the Greek Catholic archbishop, Michael Antoine Nakhle Abrass, the Maronite archbishop, Nabil El Hage and the Greek Orthodox bishop, Elias Kfouryche . The participation of the Italian honorary consul in Tire, Ahmad Seklaoui, was particularly welcome.
The religious authorities who intervened expressed their appreciation and gratitude to the Italian blue helmets, "daily witnesses of respect for a different culture and tradition", for their contribution to maintaining stability and security in the Southern area, underlining how "in Lebanon coexistence is an indispensable value ”.
