Lebanon's political crisis manifested itself at St. Maroun church on Friday as President Emile Lahoud and Premier Fouad Saniora sat meters apart during mass.As Safir newspaper said that Saniora told a cabinet minister on Thursday that Protocol officials were considering exceptional seating procedures at the church since Lahoud regards the prime minister and the government illegitimate.
Television footage showed Lahoud's seat placed on the right side of the altar while Saniora sitting on the left separated by the church's hallway.
An Nahar daily said that reception at the church's hall was also cancelled given the sensitivities between the Saniora and opposition camps.
Politicians, diplomats and clergymen also attended the mass on the occasion of St. Maroun day at the church in Gemmayze.
Beirut's Maronite archbishop Boulos Matar, who led the mass, urged unity among politicians and called on them to resolve their problems to prevent the country from plunging back into civil war.
The crisis erupted after the resignation of six pro-Syrian ministers from the Saniora cabinet in November. This was followed by an ongoing sit-in in downtown Beirut by the Hizbullah-led opposition aimed at toppling Saniora's government which is backed by the parliamentary majority.
The crisis turned bloody last month after street clashes between pro and anti-government protestors left at least nine dead and hundreds injured.
Beirut, 09 Feb 07, 12:27
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