Asiri Hopes Lebanon Passes to 'Shore of Safety' by Electing New President

Ambassador of Saudi Arabia Ali Awadh Asiri voiced hopes on Saturday that Lebanon passes to the “shore of safety” by electing a new president, hailing President Michel Suleiman for all the wise decisions he took during his term.

“I hope that Lebanon passes to the shore of safety and stability by electing a new head of state,” said Asiri after Suleiman awarded him the National Order of the Cedar Medal as an appreciation for his endeavors.

From the presidential palace at Baabda the ambassador praised the outgoing President, saying: “Suleiman was the wise ruler whose ultimate interest focused on how to strengthen the country's national unity among the people, and on implementing the constitution.”

“We have a great hope in all the leaders and Lebanese figures who have national responsibilities, because Lebanon is worth sacrificing for to remain a symbol of civilization, culture and prosperity just like we know it,” added the Saudi ambassador.

Suleiman's six-year term ends on May 25 amid fears that differences between the March 8 and March 14 alliances prolong thus thwarting attempts to bring a successor to the President.

The parliament failed to elect a president over five sessions raising fears that the vacuum in the country's top Christian post would affect Lebanon's power-sharing agreement under which the president should be a Maronite, the premier a Sunni and the speaker a Shiite.

D.A.

H.K.