‘Stop Circle of Guns,’ Prelate Urges Lebanon

The personal envoy of Pope John Paul II appealed to Lebanon’s warring Christian and Muslim factions Thursday to “stop the circle of guns” and work toward ending their decade-old civil war.

Cardinal Roger Etchegaray flew by helicopter to Cyprus after a second round of talks with President Amin Gemayel, who is a Maronite Christian, and other officials at the end of a weeklong visit to Lebanon, the presidential palace announced.

“Lebanon will not die,” the French prelate said in a statement shortly before leaving. “It’s time to stop the war, and the internal and external factions must stop the circle of guns so that Lebanon can regain its confidence.”