Sleiman calls for effective female participation in political life

President Michel Sleiman hoped the day Arab women get to enjoy their full political and national rights would come soon, in a word delivered on the occasion of the International Women's Day, Wednesday.

"It is of major importance for women to participate effectively, side by side with men, in countries and people's progress, in a way that fulfills their message and role in society," Sleiman said, noting that "Lebanon was a pioneer in granting women their rights, on top of which their right to vote, yet now, it fell behind most of the Arab countries at that level."

The President called accordingly for allowing a better participation of women in the Lebanese administration, encouraging them as well to delve into politics and run as candidates for the municipal and parliamentary elections.

Separately, President Sleiman received the French MP, Guy Makki, who represents the French people living abroad, within the Arabian Peninsula. Makki is a candidate for the Tenth circumscription which includes Lebanon, Gulf and Africa.