BEIRUT, Lebanon - Lebanese Christian politicians from the March 14 bloc have agreed by consensus to adhere to a "code of honor" proposed by Maronite Partriarch Nasrallah Butros Sfeir to avoid violence and inter-Christian discord, Naharnet reported.

Among those who attended the meeting at Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea's house in Bzemmar on Monday were Social Affairs Minister Nayla Moawad, Tourism Minster Joe Sarkis, as well as legislators Boutros Harb, Solange Gemayel, Antoine Zahra and Strida Geagea.

The meeting came one week after Christian opposition leaders Michel Aoun of the Free Patriotic Movement and Marada leader Suleiman Franjieh signed the "code of honor", proposed by Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Butros Sfeir.

A statement read by legislator Antoine Zahra following the meeting said that "the only way out of the current stalemate gripping the country is to resort to constitutional institutions."

In a clear reference to Hezbollah, the statement said, "Some Lebanese groups should follow the example of Christian parties which yielded their arms 17 years ago for the well-being of Lebanon and the Lebanese."

Hezbollah still maintains its arms, saying they are necessary to defend Lebanon against any possible Israeli army offensive.

Last December, the council of Maronite Bishops, in a declaration of the church's principles, urged leaders of the community and other Lebanese spiritual groups to agree on a "code of honor" to settle differences through dialogue, reject violence and armed confrontations and refrain from agitation.

Seven people were killed and more than 300 others wounded during deadly clashes late last month between opposition followers and government supporters, spreading fears that Lebanon would plunge into anarchy and violence.