Suleiman Urges Commitment to Apostolic Exhortation to Maintain Dialogue in Lebanon
President Michel Suleiman noted on Sunday that there can be no development without peace and justice.
He said: “There is a need to commit to the Apostolic Exhortation in order for Lebanon to remain the country of dialogue and openness.”
He made his remarks during a farewell ceremony held in Pope Benedict XVI’s honor at Rafik Hariri International Airport.
The pope concluded on Sunday a three-day visit during which he signed the Apostolic Exhortation.
Suleiman added: “The exhortation includes guidelines for social and political reform and the need arises today for us to abide by its dictates.”
“There can be no peace without justice and the respect of human rights,” he continued.
He thanked the pontiff for his visit and numerous statements on Lebanon, its unity and independence.
He also thanked him for his efforts to protect it against any aggression, reiterating a pledge that Lebanon “will remain a nation of dialogue, openness, and mutual coexistence based on equal partnership among all of its sons.”
“You now leave the land of the cedars after you had delivered to it a message of peace during a time of changes,” said the president.
“Lebanon will maintain loyal to its ties with the Vatican,” declared Suleiman.
On regional developments, he noted: “The Arab revolts have potential for reform and democracy despite the violence witnessed.”
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