Sleiman: “Vote for whomever you believe is most competent”
Lebanese President Michel Sleiman said on Wednesday that Lebanon was no longer an arena for international conflicts. "Lebanon is your country, and the decision is yours, only yours," Sleiman said, addressing the Lebanese during a televised speech delivered at a dinner held in Jbeil.
The dinner was also attended by Prime Minister Fouad Siniora and Speaker Nabih Berri.
Sleiman added that relations with Syria were deeply rooted, "for our past and struggle are common, our present faces the same challenges and our bright and promising future lies in our determination and willpower."
He said Israel was defeated in May 2000 and July 2006 thanks to the unity of the Lebanese people. "The Lebanese Army and people are a role model for fighting the Israeli enemy," he said. "Once again, we were able to prove that only a just, strong and capable state can protect everyone with no exceptions."
Sleiman said he was not satisfied with the current electoral law, adding that a better system could be based on proportional representation. "Such system will keep our youth away from sectarian affiliations and political tensions … thus, fulfilling the requirement of authentic citizenship," he said.
As for the upcoming parliamentary elections, he urged the Lebanese to "vote for whomever you believe is most competent." He said the outcome should be accepted regardless of the results. "Your adherence to legitimate constitutional institutions should remain your common denominator as these institutions are the only guarantee."
He added that the post-elections phase would witness extensive reforms that would cover the administrative, judicial, economic and political fields. He also called for promoting administrative decentralization, balanced development and women”s rights.
Sleiman said that the cabinet to be formed after the vote should be "a government that resembles no other than the Lebanese."
"It should be a government that meets your aspirations," he said.
He added that the president was the "protector of the Constitution and has the duty to guarantee and ensure its implementation."
He noted that the president should "have the means to end and decide on any dispute."
"Preserving the Constitution and the Taif Accord is everyone”s duty and right," Sleiman said, adding that abolishing sectarianism did not mean abolishing communities and "the unique Lebanese model of diversity."
Sleiman rejected what he called the "three-way sharing of power," stressing the importance of the "effective role of confessional communities in the political life."
He said that during Arab summits and international forums, he voiced Lebanon”s role in "liberating the remaining Lebanese occupied territories, promoting dialogue and achieving a just and comprehensive peace based on the Arab peace initiative."
Sleiman called on the Lebanese to remain united. "Support your army and security forces to uncover Israeli spying networks, which are falling apart day after day," he said. "Your country asks for nothing but your faith, and a little faith is enough.