LOC00:48
21:48 GMT
(With photo)
BEIRUT, Nov 21 (KUNA) -- Lebanese President Michel Suleiman outlined Sunday
10 national targets in a televised address to the nation on the eve of the
country's 67th Independence Day.
These targets include; first, maintain the rule of law; second, strengthen
the national unity; third, prevent sectarian sedition; fourth, remain
committed to Al-Taef accords; and fifth, keep Lebanon away from external
polarizations and interferences, explained the President.
They also include pursuing dialogue as a means to settle disputes,
continuing the efforts to bring the Lebanese-Syrian ties back to the right
track, strengthening the national unity government, preventing any Israeli
aggression and lobbying against permanent settlement of (Palestinian) refugees
in Lebanon, he pointed out.
President Suleiman listed the achievements made in the last years in the
domestic as well as external affairs, saying that his administration was able
to forge ahead with the stabilization process and win a non-permanent seat in
the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
He highlighted the importance of broad-based participation in the public
affairs and adherence to power-sharing "on national, not factional, lines."
"We have to cement the Muslim-Christian partnership in order to curb
sectarianism," Suleiman vowed, stressing the need to rebuild the national army.
He urged the Arab countries to scale up support for Lebanon in the face of
the Israeli threats and the international community to press the Jewish nation
into enforcing the provisions of the UNSC Resolution 1701.
President Suleiman promised to press ahead with the political, economic,
social, cultural and administrative reforms with a view to revitalizing
economic growth and solving the unemployment problem.
As part of the celebrations marking the 67th Independence Day a military
parade will be held Monday downtown Beirut with top political leaders, public
figures and foreign diplomats attending. (end)
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KUNA 220048 Nov 10NNNN