Suleiman from Australia: Lebanon Won't Be Launch Pad for Attack on Syria

إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية
  • W460
  • W460
  • W460
  • W460

President Michel Suleiman on Monday stressed that “Lebanon is not an arena for settling scores or conflict, but rather an arena for the rapprochement of all Arab brothers,” noting that “Lebanon will not be a launch pad for sabotage or attack against any Arab nation, particularly Syria.”

In a speech before members of the Lebanese community in Canberra, Suleiman said: “What concerns us in Syria is democracy, and the latest referendum has shown that everyone in Syria wants democracy.”

The president called on the Syrians to “engage in dialogue in order to find the most suitable method to implement democracy,” hoping “the current initiative led by Mr. Kofi Annan and backed by the U.N. and the Arab League will find its way towards proper implementation.”

Turning to the domestic situations, Suleiman stressed that he will seek an electoral law that is “modern and in the vein of our political system … a law that resembles our constitution and would ensure pluralism in all sects.”

“Once this law is adopted, a law on the administrative decentralism stipulated by the Taef Accord will be proposed, which will allow districts and municipal unions to practice their real missions and implement balanced development,” the president added.

He also reassured the conferees that Lebanon’s “financial and economic system is solid, alongside the political system which has preserved security.”

Earlier on Monday, Suleiman said all sides in Syria were keen on achieving democracy in their country, adding that they should make their choice away from violence.

He warned: “The unrest in Syria may spread to Lebanon.”

He therefore urged Arab countries to assume their responsibilities in resolving the disputes.

The president made his remarks before the Arab ambassadors in Australia during his ongoing trip to the country.

Suleiman later held talks with Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, during which he stressed the need for finding “just and comprehensive” solutions to the conflicts in the Middle East “away from the danger of division and fragmentation.”

“This requires a political decision and real international will to provide the pressing factors that will force all sides to commit to the solution,” he noted.

The president lauded Australia’s support for Lebanon, which he said is based on the values of democracy, freedom, and a commitment to human rights and international resolutions.

For her part, Gillard highlighted the Lebanese people’s role in her country, noting their political, economic, social, and cultural contributions.

The president and premier stressed the need to back Lebanon’s sovereignty, unity, and independence, especially through supporting the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, Special Tribunal for Lebanon, the implementation of U.N. Security Council resolution 1701.

They voiced a hope to bolster cooperation between Lebanon and Australia in defense and military fields and welcomed the establishment of a Lebanese chamber of trade and industry in Melbourne.

Gillard then threw a luncheon banquet in honor of Suleiman and his accompanying delegation after which they toured the house of parliament.

The delegation later headed to Canberra’s national arboretum, where Suleiman planted a cedar tree.

He said: “This tree is a symbol of the good ties between the Lebanese and Australian people, which we hope will continue throughout the ages.”

Comments 15
Default-user-icon MUSTAPHA O. GHALAYINI (Guest) 16 April 2012, 15:20

fakhamto, it will not spread to lebanon.. for 30 years of unrest in lebanon combined with syrian occupation, it did not spread to syria, so why ya sleiman it will spread to lebanon now, especially coming from u , is somewhat strange.

Default-user-icon May7 (Guest) 16 April 2012, 15:22

This meeting should have occurred on 1april

Default-user-icon Libnanie (Guest) 16 April 2012, 15:31

"He therefore urged Arab countries to assume their responsibilities in resolving the disputes" in Syria...and Lebanon refuses to go on the record and condemn the killings in Syria but he wants to remain neutral because of our "special relationship" with Syria. Oh please, spare us the BS!

Thumb bigsami 16 April 2012, 15:52

I wonder if she would look hot in a bikini.....LOL

Thumb primesuspect 16 April 2012, 17:59

Look at our president, he seems delighted of the picture... Someone is going to have a hot night tonight!

Thumb primesuspect 16 April 2012, 19:14

Naharnet modified the picture.... For those who missed it... The lady beside him was a hottie

Thumb bigsami 16 April 2012, 19:52

and an X Aussie porn star.....

Default-user-icon MUSTAPHA O. GHALAYINI (Guest) 16 April 2012, 19:23

another general, another fairy tale

Thumb chrisrushlau 16 April 2012, 19:29

The Prime Minister was telling the President that Shiites are by their nature inferior humans, barely human at all, and therefore Lebanon was well within international legal standards in preventing the Shiite majority in Lebanon from exercising its power in free and fair elections. She said, "The Taif Accord is all that separates us from Israel." A spokesperson later clarified her remarks, saying that Israel was a close ally of Australia and all the white nations.

Thumb lebnanfirst 16 April 2012, 21:51

What a bunch of misfits making silly and useless comments.

Thumb bigsami 16 April 2012, 22:46

Your upset because you didn't get to see here earlier :-p Lighten up....or go to Jamaica mon.... :-)

Default-user-icon The Truth (Guest) 17 April 2012, 01:22

But will be a launching pad for attacks on Israel cause that's really worked out in the past.

Default-user-icon lebanesewhats that (Guest) 17 April 2012, 12:02

look closely at the star on the flag, in the fourth pic

Default-user-icon Anotherlebaneseslave (Guest) 17 April 2012, 12:06

Look closely at the star on the Australian flag, in the fourth pic, with Sleiman shaking hands with Gillard. Look at the weaving.

Thumb kesrweneh 17 April 2012, 14:13

damn I alwasy miss the nice pics! :))should have gone with the president