Sleiman says Kataeb expressed reservations since it is keen on protecting state’s role and authority

President Michel Sleiman said he understood the Kataeb’s reservations over the clause pertaining to “the resistance” in the policy statement, calling on the party to maintain its national responsibility at the cabinet and the national dialogue sessions.

In this regard, Sleiman stressed the need to continue the discussions concerning the defense strategy and the state’s role and authority in practicing resistance “within the framework of the strategy, which would place all the capabilities in the hands of the state.”

During his meeting with a delegation of Kataeb students, Sleiman stressed the importance of the diversity and plurality that characterizes the Lebanese system, warning against leading the country towards political void.

The president expressed relief over the approval of the cabinet’s policy statement, noting that a national dialogue session will be held once the new government receives the parliament vote of confidence.

Separately, Sleiman met with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres, who briefed the president on the commission’s work in assisting the Syrian refugees and stressed that the commission’s cooperation with the new government will improve once it receives the confidence vote.