REPORT: Sleiman: Lebanon will take part in Geneva 2 conference, committed to dissociation policy

President Michel Sleiman declared Monday that Lebanon failed to protect itself from the negative repercussions of neighboring crises, noting that efforts have been exerted since 2008 in order to restore stability and promote national dialogue.

In a speech he delivered before members of the diplomatic community, Sleiman stressed that the explosions taking place in Lebanon will not escape from justice, pointing out that the Special Tribunal for Lebanon had kicked off its sessions in a bid to uncover the truth and punish criminals.

The president noted that he is seeking to reach a new cabinet, to resume national dialogue, to prepare for the presidential elections and to reach a new electoral law for the upcoming parliamentary elections.

“Lebanon seeks the support of foreign powers to achieve stability and encourage local powers and influential countries to distance the country from regional developments and to help Lebanon bear the burden of the Syrian refugees,” he added.

On the Syrian file, Sleiman said that Lebanon will take part in the Geneva II peace conference, expressing his position on rejecting any military intervention in the Syrian conflict.