Hariri Urges Lebanese to Overcome Disputes, Elect President

Al-Mustaqbal movement leader ex-PM Saad Hariri on Friday hoped the army's sacrifices will push all Lebanese to “overcome their differences and disputes” and seek an end to the political crisis.

“It saddens us that we are marking Army Day this year without a president,” said Hariri in a statement marking the 70th anniversary of the creation of the Lebanese army.

“Lebanon is facing a storm of challenges and risks … and the army has shown a remarkable ability to maintain its coherence and rise above the acute political divides and disputes,” the ex-PM added.

He also hailed the military for “preserving security and stability and fighting terror” and for the “hefty sacrifices it has offered to achieve this goal.”

Hariri hoped the army's sacrifices will inspire all Lebanese to “overcome their differences and disputes, revive the project of building the state, and elect a new president as soon as possible.”

“The state is the only guarantee and sanctuary for all Lebanese without any exception,” the former premier added.

The country has been without a president since Michel Suleiman's term ended on May 25, 2014.

The presidential vacuum has started to have a negative impact on the work of the cabinet, parliament and security and military institutions.

Y.R.