Suleiman: Lebanon mustn’t be Route for Arms Smuggling, Base for Training Fighters

Local Editor

Lebanese President Michel Suleiman urged Thursday the need to reach an electoral law that reflects the Lebanese formula and be in line with Taef Accord, away from returning to sectarian laws.

Addressing the Lebanese community in Senegal, Suleiman reiterated: "If we aren't able to find a law based on the Taef, I hope that Lebanese expatriates would not elect with a sectarian law."
The President further called for lowering the voting age to 18 years as well as making the elections obligatory.
Moreover, Suleiman confirmed the need to fortify the Lebanese Army and supply it with the necessary needs to fulfill its duties.

He also hailed the Lebanese Army that is "the symbol of the nation's unity and has proved it many times."

On the Syrian crisis, Suleiman highlighted that the country must not be a route for arms smuggling or a base to train fighters, no matter which side they are affiliated to."

"Neutrality is useful for both Lebanon and Syria," Suleiman clarified, and noted that "we seek to overcome the Syrian crisis without dragging Lebanon a crisis."

Meanwhile, the Lebanese president hoped that calm would prevail in Syria and that a UN-brokered political solution that was binding on all parties would be reached.

Source: al-Ahed News, Translated and Edited by moqawama.org