BEIRUT: Amid growing concerns that unrest in Syria will spill over into Lebanon, Christian, Muslim and Druze religious leaders urged rival political parties Tuesday to work toward achieving peace and stability.

“We call on officials in Lebanon to work hand-in-hand for peace, stability and unity,” said a statement at the end of the meeting held at the Beirut Maronite Archbishopric.

The spiritual heads also called on the rival March 8 and March 14 coalitions to adopt a unified rhetorical stance “in the wake of the difficult and complex circumstances Lebanon and the region are passing through.”

The summit was held on the occasion of Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai’s pastoral tour of the Maronite Archdiocese of Beirut.