Mikati: The State is not a 'farm'; elections to take place as scheduled

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati confirmed on Friday that the Parliamentary elections will take place as scheduled according to a new modern electoral law, noting that all the political parties will meet at the beginning of 2013 to agree on a new electoral law.                 

While receiving the Grand Serail’s employees and the accredited journalists on the occasion of New Year, Mikati said that “our only choice is to live together despite the differences in politics and economy,” pointing that the concept of the State must not be harmed by the difference in affiliations.         

On the other hand, Mikati stressed that the State is not a farm, but a land and a "human", noting that partnership is the soul of Lebanon, without which Lebanon would lose its identity. He warned that the security threats do not spare any party.                

“Those who instigate strife against Lebanon will have to pay a heavy price in the future,” Mikati added, stressing that the Lebanese have no choice other than national dialogue to save and protect the country.              

Mikati addressed the Lebanese people saying: “Don't be afraid of foreign dangers because the nation is stronger than any 'quake' that comes from abroad,” explaining that the positions of the government are not improvised, but serve Lebanon’s Arab and regional interests.