Sleiman recalls Nahr El-bared clashes, pays tribute to Army

President Michel Sleiman recalled at the beginning of September - the month that witnessed the end of Nahr El-Bared clashes and the eradication of terrorism - the Lebanese Army soldiers who fell martyrs for this cause.

Sleiman praised the Army's unyielding efforts to defend Lebanon and protect its civil peace, highlighting in his statement the need to grip to internal unity and have a strong national will so that the security forces and the military institution could assume full responsibility nationwide.

The President did not fail to mention the suffering of the Palestinian refugees inside the camps as they were troubled by the presence of terrorists among them.He also called on all factions to be aware of the current crucial circumstances prevailing over "the region that is headed toward democracy."

"Putting national interest above all considerations is of major importance," Sleiman said in his statement.

As for Baabda's Monday meetings, the Interior and Municipalities Minister Marwan Charbel discussed with President Sleiman security affairs related to the North in particular.

The President later met with the Information Minister, Walid Daouk, over an array of topics related to the information sector, and discussed the issue of appointing a new board of directors for the Tele Liban.

The preparations for the visit of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to Lebanon on September 14 also topped talks between Sleiman and Daouk.

Furthermore, the President went over the current situation and latest internal developments during his meeting with MPs Ahmad Fatfat and Robert Fadel.