Aoun Calls for Building 'Just, Strong and Capable State'
President Michel Aoun on Wednesday called for “immunizing national unity” and building “a just, strong and capable State.”
During meetings with his visitors at the Baabda Palace, Aoun stressed “the importance of immunizing national unity,” describing it as “the main deterrent against those seeking to undermine domestic stability,” state-run National News Agency reported.
He also called on all citizens to “cooperate with the State and its institutions to resolve the pending issues and contribute to combating corruption.”
“The success of any person or institution is a success for the entire country, because our higher objective is to build a just, strong and capable State,” Aoun added.
“This is a national workshop that can fit everyone and no one will be excluded from it,” the president went on to say.
Aoun's election after two and a half years of presidential void and Saad Hariri's appointment as premier-designate have raised hopes that Lebanon can begin tackling challenges including a stagnant economy, a moribund political class and the influx of more than a million Syrian refugees.
In addition to pledges of economic growth and security, Aoun said in his oath of office that Lebanon must work to ensure Syrian refugees "can return quickly" to their country.
Aoun also pledged to endorse an "independent foreign policy" and to protect Lebanon from "the fires burning across the region."
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