Sleiman: Any bet on the Arab Spring is a losing one

President Michel Sleiman called on all political leaders to reduce political tension in the country and to resort to dialogue to solve all pending issues such as the defensive strategy and other critical files.

Following a closed meeting with the Maronite Patriarch Bshara Rai in Bkerke, prior to the Christmas mass, Sleiman said that the government should implement previous decisions taken regarding the Palestinian arms inside and outside the camps and to include Hezbollah’s weapon in the army so it can be properly used to defend Lebanon from aggression.

Sleiman added that his calls for dialogue are not exclusive for some parties but for all Lebanese leaders, pointing out that any bet on the Arab Spring outcome is a losing one. On the other hand Sleiman revealed that the Maronite Patriarch and the head of the Free Patriotic Movement  Michel Aoun approved the administrative appointments plan set by the cabinet, adding that Lebanon is in need for a proper electoral law which preserves the Taif agreement and equality between the Lebanese.

Asked about the latest stances on former PM Saad Hariri saying that some parties in Lebanon support terrorism Sleiman answered “Lebanon is against terrorism, we paid the highest price fighting it and I don’t believe anyone would support it”. 

Patriarch Rai told the reporters that the Maronite Gathering did not approve the electoral law presented by the Orthodox Gathering, adding that after the holidays this issue will be most probably solved.