Suleiman Hopes to Resume Dialogue before his Term's End: Baabda Declaration Key to Solving Disputes

President Michel Suleiman stressed that he will call for the resumption of the national dialogue after the government earns parliament's vote of confidence, while emphasizing the importance of the Baabda Declaration in protecting Lebanon, reported the Kuwaiti daily al-Anba on Saturday.

He told the daily: “Adhering to the Declaration is key to resolving disputes in Lebanon.”

“The Baabda Declaration allows Lebanese forces meddling in Syria to return to Lebanon,” he added.

“This will help us reunite to thwart the suicide attacks,” he continued.

Moreover, the proper adoption of the Declaration will allow the army to defend Lebanon's borders and prevent any attack against the country, said the president.

Suleiman stressed the need for Lebanese powers to refrain from intervening in the crisis in Syria and to avoid transforming the Syrian people into a “political target”.

The Taef accord speaks of “special” ties with Syria and “we should not increase tensions with it,” he urged.

“We support all of the Syrian people and not one side without the other,” he stated, warning that fueling tensions with them is “dangerous.”

He wondered at the March 8 camp's rejection of the Baabda Declaration after it was unanimously adopted during a June 2012 national dialogue session.

“We understand that circumstances force changes in position in politics, but we have witnessed defamation over the Declaration and what the presidency achieved,” lamented Suleiman.

“My conscience won't be clear until I invite the political powers to return to the national dialogue. I hope one or two sessions would be held before the end of my term” in May, he remarked.

“The discussions over a national defense strategy will fortify Lebanon, its land, army, and resistance,” he stressed.

“The resistance is in need of a strategy that adheres to the state,” he explained.

“There exists no state that says that it will not intervene to defend my people,” he added.

“All forms of security chaos harm the state,” continued Suleiman.

In addition, he said that the “army-people-resistance” equation, which is backed by the March 8 camp, was no longer viable after the resistance, Hizbullah, became involved in the Syrian crisis.

“The people and army were not consulted over going to Syria and whether they will tolerate the consequences of this action,” he noted.

“We must therefore resort to a formula that helps fortify Lebanon through agreeing on a defense strategy at the national dialogue,” Suleiman stressed.

Asked whether he is seeking to extend his term as president, he replied: “It is not certain whether the extension will serve Lebanese interests.”

“Political powers will be more forgiving of a new president, but prominent divisions may be felt around one whose term was extended,” he remarked.

“Based on this, I believe that it is best to respect the constitution and I have said that the extension is unconstitutional,” Suleiman stated.

“I prefer that the presidential elections be held and I invite the representatives of fraternal and friendly countries to come to Lebanon to witness the handover ceremony,” he said.