Lebanese president calls for reforms on eve of Independence Day

Lebanese President Michel Suleiman on Saturday called for political, economic and judicial reforms a he addressed the nation on the eve of the country's 66th Independence Day.

"We need to build state institutions according to a political platform based on openness and the preservation of civil rights," said Suleiman when delivering a live TV address, calling for other reforms including an independent judicial power, and fighting corruption.

The president also called for abandoning political sectarianism, which acted as a major obstacle for long delay of the new cabinet.

Lebanese new cabinet was formed earlier this month, more than five months after the June parliamentary elections. Suleiman will head a national dialogue sessions aimed at ending differences between the rival factions after the cabinet finalize policy statement.

The Lebanese president said that the country continues to maintain national security and enhance its international role, adding that Lebanon's election to the UN Security Council intends to be the voice of the Arab states.

"The Lebanese-Palestinian relations should be repaired and free from any complications... and Lebanon will continue to promote the Palestinian cause in the Security Council," said Suleiman.

The Lebanese Independence Day on Nov. 22 1943 is a day celebrated in remembrance of the liberation from the French mandate over Lebanese land for over 23 years after the fall of Ottoman Turkey.


Source: Xinhua