Suleiman from Australia: Diversity Cannot Survive without Dialogue

President Michel Suleiman noted on Tuesday the social diversity in Lebanon and Australia, adding that the challenges faced in the world require solutions that “go beyond national limits.”

He said: “Diversity cannot survive without dialogue, moderation, and partnership.”

He made his remarks after holding talks with New South Wales Premier Barry O'Farrell as part of his ongoing trip to Australia.

Suleiman also stressed the need to implement international resolutions, including U.N. Security Council resolution 1701, which calls for the Israeli withdrawal from all occupied Lebanese territory.

O’Farrell later threw a dinner banquet in the president’ honor.

During the dinner, O’Farrell praised the role Lebanese people have played in New South Wales, adding that it owes a lot to Lebanon due to its people’s contributions in the political, commercial, and sports fields.

Earlier during the day, Suleiman held talks with a number of spiritual leaders and the Governor-General of Canberra Quentin Bryce, as well as Australian lawmakers of Lebanese descent.

On Monday, Suleiman stressed that “Lebanon is not an arena for settling scores or conflict, but rather an arena for the rapprochement of all Arab brothers,” noting that “Lebanon will not be a launch pad for sabotage or attack against any Arab nation, particularly Syria.”

In a speech before members of the Lebanese community in Canberra, he said: “What concerns us in Syria is democracy, and the latest referendum has shown that everyone in Syria wants democracy.”

Turning to the domestic situations, he stressed that he will seek an electoral law that is “modern and in the vein of our political system … a law that resembles our constitution and would ensure pluralism in all sects.”

“Once this law is adopted, a law on the administrative decentralism stipulated by the Taef Accord will be proposed, which will allow districts and municipal unions to practice their real missions and implement balanced development,” the president added.

He also reassured the conferees that Lebanon’s “financial and economic system is solid, alongside the political system which has preserved security.”