The bishops, in a statement released after their monthly meeting under Patriarch Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir, said electing a president "would put the nation again on the path of progress and prosperity."

The statement warned against "agendas that do not serve the nation, but the interests of international regional and factional forces."

The bishops noted that certain groups are complaining against the deteriorating situation, including industrial investors, farmers and owners of businesses dealing with tourism "but no one answers their complaints."