Lebanon's new President Michel Suleiman called for unity among his countrymen after taking oath as president following a parliamentary vote here on Sunday.
"I pledge to respect and protect Lebanon's independence, sovereignty and its constitution," Suleiman said in his address to the nation.
In his speech, Suleiman appealed for unity, urging his countrymen to put their differences aside to bring about a new chapter in favor of Lebanon, which has been plagued by a 18-month-long political crisis.
"A new chapter should be opened in favor of Lebanon," Suleiman said, calling for preserving national agreement in order to protect the armed forces.
"We protect the country by the culture of dialogue and not by making it a conflict arena," Suleiman said.
He stressed that the weapons will only be pointed at the enemy and not in any other direction, referring to the clashes between the pro-government forces and the opposition earlier this month.
He also called for distinguished and balanced relations with Syria, based on mutual respect and diplomatic relations.
"We should benefit from our experience for the benefit of the two countries," he added.
Lebanese parliament approved Sunday Michel Suleiman as new president for the country.
The election comes following a deal reached in Doha between the ruling majority and the opposition.
Lebanon is facing the most complicated political crisis since the 1975-1990 civil war. Lebanese political rival groups had been unable to achieve a breakthrough to elect a new president for the country since Nov. 24 last year when ex-president Emile Lahoud ended his term.
Source:Xinhua
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