Sleiman: Baabda Declaration was unanimously approved

Lebanese President Michel Sleiman stressed Saturday that the Baabda Declaration is part of a strategic vision, noting that it was acknowledged when militants and weapons were sent from northern cities to Syria and fear that the Syrian crisis could affect Lebanon was raised.

"We were able to stop Lutfallah's loaded boat on time", he said referring to the recent smuggling attempt and pointed that he visited the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to ask King Abdullah to spare Lebanon from regional unrest.

During a Seminar held by Baabda forum, themed " From the Charter to Baabda Declaration" in Beirut's Phoenicia Intercontinental Hotel, under the slogan "neutrality and dialogue for stability and prosperity", Sleiman pointed out that the Declaration was unanimously approved and was confirmed in two consecutive sessions.

He added that the main concern was to save Lebanon from the repercussions of the regional developments, notably the Syrian crisis, highlighting that Baabda Declaration stipulated a positive neutrality instead of containment and respects the Taef Accord.