Sleiman calls for the discussion of proportional representation electoral law

Lebanese President Michel Sleiman met on Tuesday with members of various diplomatic communities.     

During his speech, Sleiman said that the past year has been marked with violent chapters of which the Lebanese people "successfully overcame".              

Sleiman added that national dialogue parties were able to agree on a charter which keeps Lebanon at a distance from regional clashes known as the Baabda agreement.                  

The President pointed out that Lebanese citizens are still living the repercussions of late Brigadier General Wissam al-Hassan’s assassination and added that they fear the consequences of the Syrian crisis since the number of refugees is on a continuous rise.           

Sleiman added that it is important that the state meets these challenges and urged all factions to return to national dialogue in light of this critical situation.        

As for the elections, Sleiman called for the discussion of the proportional representation law which was presented by the government and asked for amending it so that it serves all Lebanese parties.

For his part the papal ambassador to Lebanon Gabriel Katchea praised President Sleiman’s effort in regard to the Baabda agreement and added that it is a realistic step that "maintains Lebanon's independence and keeps the country away from the risk of a new bloody confrontation".