Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Damascus (Agenzia Fides) - The " Syrian Forum of families" has joined the interfaith movement "Mussalaha" (Reconciliation), which is working to find a way of dialogue between the inter-syrian parties in the current civil conflict. The "Mussalaha" intends demonstrate that there is a "third way" possible, an alternative to war and weapons, that of civil society.
As reported to Fides, Salman Al Assaf Rails, founder of the Forum, that brings together influential figures in the Syrian society, clans and different communities around the principle cores and values of family, stressed the urgency of "reconciliation, brotherhood, loyalty and belonging," expressing support for the work of reconciliation, dialogue and an era of reforms. Khalil Noè, president of the executive committee of the Forum, said that the Mussalaha "shows a series of important clues on the health of Syrian society: firstly, the unity of the Syrian people, who constitute one family; then the common commitment against sectarianism and violence; and the awareness and willingness to sit around the negotiating table. These - he said - are the factors to get out of the crisis. "religious figures also belong to the Forum: Fr. Gabriel Khajo stressed the need for forgiveness and love, remembering that the human being is the cornerstone of society and the family is the primary source of education. Fr. Hermes Shiba, Patriarchal Vicar of the ancient Assyrian Church raised a heartfelt prayer "so that God surrounds this Forum with the Spirit of love, reconciliation and peace," saying that "God created us to live in peace and security: peace generates love: let us love one another and our country."
Local committees of the Mussalaha are present in the provinces of Daraa, Deir Ezzor, Idleb, Hama, Homs and have started to obtain positive results, attracting the sympathy of the government and opposition. Recently more than 800 Syrian personalities found themselves in Deir Zor, near Hassaké to say that the only way out of the crisis is internal dialogue and non-violent action. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 11/7/2012)
