By Prensa Latina,
Beirut : New Lebanese President Michel Suleiman assumed on Monday his duties at the presidential palace in Baabda, after being received with a 21-gun salute.
In front of the building, politicians, members of the security forces and civilians stood in two rows to receive the president, the election of whom is expected to stop the political crisis that has been affecting this Arab country since November, 2007.
Suleiman, elected on Sunday with extensive support of the parliament members, will make a tour that includes Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates.
This trip will begin after the cabinet is formed.
The current president is 59 years old and used to be the Lebanese Armed Force head.
The ex commander entered for the first time on Monday the office left by his predecessor Emile Lahoud six months ago after his term of office concluded.
According to the agreement in Doha, Qatar, with mediation of the Arab League, the Executive office will be composed of 30 ministers, 16 will be the parliamentary majority, 11 of the opposition, and three will be appointed by the president.
President Suleiman referred on Sunday to the possibility of working together “for a solid reconciliation.”
The recently elected president spoke, conveying a clear message to the parliamentary majority and the opposition, when he said “unity and dialogue can solve any problem.”
Celebrations of the ex commander’s election lasted all night in Beirut, and according to the media, it was similaráat his hometown Amsheet, North of this capital.