Sleiman: We have a responsibility to assume toward the Lebanese people

President Michel Sleiman declared Monday that Lebanon is currently facing a series of challenges including the issue of the Syrian refugees, urging for intensifying the efforts to maintain security and fight against terrorist acts. He also called on the political parties to mitigate the political rhetoric and reach agreement within the framework of the Baabda Declaration.

During a speech he delivered at the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Beirut, Sleiman said that the challenge lies within the need to start a comprehensive “reform workshop” aiming at creating an innovative economic vision that fights against unemployment and poverty and guarantees welfare.

He also stressed the need to pave the way for public institutions to perform their constitutional duties on the legislative and executive levels, pointing out that these aspirations cannot be met without the formation of a new cabinet capable of managing the people’s affairs, holding the presidential elections and ensuring the election of a new parliament.

“We have a responsibility to assume toward the Lebanese people. How can we be less keen on our country than the international community and the neighboring countries? Is it reasonable to say that the initiatives of the International Support Group and Saudi Arabia aim at extending the president's mandate or at forming a cabinet with a certain affiliation? Does the agreement reached over a cabinet mean a national agreement? Can’t the neutral Lebanese citizens contribute to the revival of the country?” the president asked.