BEIRUT: President Michel Sleiman said on Saturday it was high time to address the constitutional flaws which continued to hinder Lebanon’s democratic processes. Addressing Lebanese Army soldiers during a ceremony commemorating the 64th Army Day at the Military School in Fiyadieh, Sleiman criticized the delay in the cabinet’s formation.
Sleiman added that the presidency would guarantee partnership and safeguard democracy following years of foreign interference in Lebanon’s domestic affairs.
In a protocol precedent, the ceremony was attended by four rather than three top officials. In addition to Sleiman and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Premier-designate Saad Hariri and caretaker Premier Fouad Siniora sat in the front row.
“If the problem lies with us as politicians, then we should resign, if it lies within the constitution then we should amend it, if it lies with political sectarianism then we should end it,” Sleiman said.
The president called on the Lebanese not to fall for political polarization, which could hamper the state’s progress, adding that nation building required compromises from all parties.
“It was unfair for the Lebanese people to keep on discussing numbers and initiate conflict,” Sleiman said, a reference to ongoing arguments on the cabinet’s distribution of shares and portfolios.
Sleiman added that the next government should implement a wide range of reforms so as to support the nation’s progress and modernization.
“The next government should come up with a valid economic plan and put an end to electricity and water shortages,” Sleiman said.
Concerning the Taif Accord, Sleiman underscored the need for its implementation, and the creation of a new electoral law.
The Taif accord agreed upon by Lebanese lawmakers in Saudi Arabia in 1989 put an end to Lebanon’s bloody 1975-90 Civil War.
The accord led to the disarmament of Lebanese militias, reinforced Lebanon’s ties with Syria and called for the abolition of political sectarianism.
Commenting on the Lebanese-Syrian bilateral ties, Sleiman said diplomatic relations with Damascus “strengthens the relationship between the people of both countries.”
Tackling the situation in the south, Sleiman urged for the full implementation of UN Resolution 1701 without any amendments.
The United Nation Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is responsible for the resolution’s implementation as well as monitoring the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel.
The president also underscored Lebanon’s dedication to safeguarding UNIFIL peacekeepers in Lebanon “the same way we protect our soldiers.”
Regarding the efforts of the Lebanese Army in safeguarding the country’s stability and security, Sleiman praised their efforts “when it came to combating Israeli offensives, terrorist cells and spy networks.” He also highlighted the army’s contribution in ensuring the smooth course of the June 7 parliamentary elections in one day.
