Sleiman discusses with Kerry regional developments in light of alleged chemical attack

Lebanese President Michel Sleiman discussed on Wednesday with the US Secretary of State John Kerry bilateral relations between Lebanon and the US, as well as the latest developments in the region in light of the alleged use of chemical weapons in the Syrian crisis.        

In this regard, Kerry reiterated through a phone call with President Sleiman, his country's rejection to the use of such weapons, calling on the UN Security Council to penalize those who used them and seek a political solution to the ongoing crisis.                 

For his part, President Sleiman stressed the importance of protecting civilians, regardless of their religious views, and called for preserving the cultural rights of all communities, especially Christians in Syria, denouncing the latest incident that happened in Maaloula.                  

On another note, President Sleiman discussed with Kerry the importance of the US' contribution to yield fruitful results with respect to the International Support Group for Lebanon that will commence its work on September 25.             

The work of the group aims at supporting Lebanon's stability, its economy, and institutions, as well as the exerted efforts to face the increasing influx of Syrian refugees.