Suleiman: Disassociation Policy is a Source of Pride, No One Has Right to Criticize it
President Michel Suleiman stressed on Tuesday the importance of the Baabda Declaration that calls for Lebanon to distance itself from regional developments, saying that it has helped safeguard the country from the unrest.
He said: “The policy of disassociation is a source of pride and no one has the right to criticize it.”
He made his remarks during a speech on the occasion of the expansion of the container area at Beirut Port.
“We must save Lebanon through dialogue and not shy away from its agreements, especially the Baabda Declaration that seeks to preserve Lebanon,” continued Suleiman.
“Let us put aside our differences and agree on saving our country,” declared the president.
Moreover, he said: “We must reconcile with ourselves and in turn with the law. We must let the judiciary and audit bureaus carry out their work.”
“We must also respect constitutional deadlines, starting with the presidential election,” he stressed.
Suleiman emphasized the need for administrative reform, noting: “The rule of law must be imposed in Lebanon away from the corruption that has become rampant at some institutions.”
“The best examples of corruption at state institutions are the ongoing vacancies at these establishments that were caused by political meddling,” he remarked.
“We must unite and cooperate in maintaining our constitutional institutions,” he demanded.
Syrian President Bashar Assad had criticized on Monday Lebanon's disassociation policy, saying: “Lebanon has contributed directly to the situation in Syria by allowing the safe passage of terrorists and weapons into the country.”
“It has allowed incitement against Syria, so technically it has not implemented the policy of disassociation,” he noted to al-Mayadeen television.
“Assuming if it did implement the policy, what would it do if the fire spread to it? The situation in Syria has started to directly impact Lebanon,” he said.
The Baabda Declaration was unanimously approved during a national dialogue session in June 2012.
It calls for keeping Lebanon away from regional developments, especially those in Syria.
Hizbullah has however been seen as having violated the declaration after it became involved in the crisis in Syria where its fighters are supporting regime forces.
Its actions in Syria have been strongly condemned in Lebanon and by foreign powers.
Suleiman is scheduled to make two more speeches this week, one on Thursday and another on Saturday.
Saturday's speech will take place during the opening of the Gathering for the Christians of the Orient in Rabweh, reported al-Joumhouria newspaper on Tuesday.
During the event, he is set to highlight the need for dialogue between religions and civilizations
| Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. | https://naharnet.com/stories/en/102925 |