Suleiman Calls in His African Tour for Dialogue in Countries Witnessing Turmoil

President Michel Suleiman, who is on an African tour, has appealed for dialogue in countries witnessing turmoil, saying violence does not resolve problems.

“We don't back violence to achieve demands,” Suleiman told Arab ambassadors based in Senegal, hoping that the turmoil would be resolved through all-party talks.

Suleiman reiterated in his speech for dialogue between the Syrian regime of President Bashar Assad and the opposition to agree on the political system that they want.

“Lebanon has been suffering from the repercussions of the Syrian crisis for hosing thousands of displaced which go beyond its material, human and geographic capabilities,” said the president, who arrived in Senegal along with First Lady Wafaa on Tuesday night after a short visit to Algeria.

The number of refugees has reached a quarter of the Lebanese population, he said at Radisson Blu hotel in Dakar where he will stay in his two-day official visit.

Arabs should remain “united in the countries where they are residing, mainly in Africa, over the invasion attempts by the Zionist regime under the cover of humanitarian and social services,” he told the diplomats.

“This invasion is aimed at overtaking the role of the Lebanese and the Arabs that they have played in this region,” Suleiman warned.

During his short stop in Algiers and following talks with Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, Suleiman said: “Lebanon wants to benefit from Algeria’s experience in managing its oil.”

Suleiman's visit is a first for a Lebanese head of state. The trip to Africa is mainly aimed at consolidating business relations between Lebanon and the African states.