By NNN-KUNA,
Beirut : Lebanese President Michel Suleiman has called on all Lebanese politicians and citizens to usher in a fresh stage called “Lebanon and the Lebanese”.
Suleiman was sworn in Sunday, vowing to respect the Lebanese constitution and to safeguard Lebanon’s independence and territorial integrity.
Addressing the parliament, the long-awaited president said the day marked “the beginning of a nation that is starting to wake up from self-destruction”.
“I call upon all of you, political forces, citizens, to start a new phase which is called ‘Lebanon and the Lebanese people’, in which we are committed to the national project, with a civilised mindset.”
He said that political stability would force constitutional institutions to take effect.
Suleiman called for a necessary balance for enabling state establishments, including the presidency, to play their due roles.
He also called for improving the national situation through confluence and convergence within the context of the culture of dialogue in order to spare Lebanon further conflicts.
Regarding Lebanese resistance, he said: “The emergence of resistance was needed in light of a state disunity and continued occupation of the Shebaa Farms requires a defensive strategy for this nation. So, resistance should not be used in internal conflicts.”
Suleiman also stressed on Lebanon-Syrian relations based on mutual respect for their sovereignty and freedom.
Earlier in the day, the Lebanese parliament voted for Suleiman as president, ending deadlock which has left the post vacant since November. A deal reached on Wednesday to end some of the worst violence since the 1975-90 civil war paved the way for the vote.
Applause broke out in the chamber as Speaker Nabih Berri announced Suleiman had won 118 votes out of the 127. Trumpets were sounded and supporters waved flags, while celebratory gunfire resounded around the capital, Beirut.