Suleiman Says Local, Regional Tension Wake up Call for Political Leaders

Lebanon's political crisis and the conflicts in the region should jolt politicians into joining hands to form the new government and return to the all-party talks, President Michel Suleiman said Saturday.

“Lebanese leaders should be aware of the concept of instability in their country … and join efforts to form a government and return to the national dialogue to resolve (the country's) problems,” Suleiman said in a statement on International Peace Day.

Such efforts would help “Lebanon steer clear of the repercussions of the crises around it and overcome this pressing stage particularly that the friendly countries and states of influence are holding a meeting in New York on Sept. 25 to back its stability,” he said.

The meeting will be held on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly to discuss ways of helping Lebanon cope with the Syrian refugee influx. The crisis in Syria has placed enormous strain on Lebanon, politically and economically.

Suleiman said in his statement that “the U.N. and Security Council should work to resolve crises and conflicts through dialogue and peaceful measures.”

He hoped for peace in the world and for strong efforts by the international community to achieve stability away from wars and conflicts so that humanity could live in security.

Also on International Peace Day, caretaker Premier Najib Miqati hoped for stability in Lebanon and the Middle East.

“We hope that peace prevails in Lebanon and the region and that wars stop for people to live in peace and stability,” he said on twitter.