The World : Lebanon Pact OK Withheld

Maronite Catholics in Lebanon declined to endorse a peace agreement between warring militias, saying they need more time to review the Syrian-brokered accord. Maronite prelates, meeting in a Beirut suburb, said the proposed constitutional changes must be studied thoroughly “to determine whether or not they constitute a threat to the Christians’ existence in Lebanon.” The accord would limit the Christians’ traditionally dominant role in Lebanese politics. Meanwhile, the so-called Islamic Gathering--a body of prominent legislators, former prime ministers and Cabinet members of the economically powerful Sunni Muslim community--endorsed the peace pact.