PRESS RELEASE 

With the rapid escalation of the violent and terrifying events in Lebanon causing death, injury and destruction of infrastructure, and the repeated threats of a large scale Israeli invasion, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) raises high its voice calling on the international community, especially on the Security Council and International Powers for an immediate intervention to cease fire.  The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) also urges them to put pressure on all sides concerned to engage in a political dialogue.  The MECC asks all regional influential powers to put pressure on all sides to stop the escalation and to start dialogue. 

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) asks for the mercy of all martyrs and healing for the wounded and calls on all Churches and Ecumenical Councils worldwide, to interfere with their governments in order to put an end to the dangerous escalation of violence that threatens the entire region. 

Guirgis Ibrahim Saleh
General Secretary
Middle East Council of Churches
Beirut

July 14, 2006