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.”

President Michel Suleiman is scheduled to travel to South America at the end of September to tour a number of countries, reported An Nahar daily on Sunday.

It said that the president's tour, which he kicks off on September 30, will include Argentina, Peru, and Uruguay.

President Michel Suleiman said Saturday that democracy can't be achieved in the Middle East without the participation of Christians in political life and governance.

“Democracy cannot go straight … without the participation of the Christian element - which has been rooted in the East for more than 2,000 years - in the political life and management of public affairs no matter what the numbers are,” Suleiman said at Baabda palace.

Thousands of Lebanese greeted on Saturday Pope Benedict XVI as he headed on his Popemobile to Baabda palace where he met with the country's top political and Muslim religious leaders.

Lebanese and Vatican flags fluttered, and there was a festive atmosphere on the streets as the faithful greeted him from Sayyad roundabout all the way to the presidential palace.

Pope Benedict XVI arrived on Friday for a three-day visit to Lebanon, saying the coexistence of the country's different religious communities could serve as an example to all the Middle East.

He said: “The Lebanese people have set an example of diversity and mutual coexistence for the Middle East and the world.”

Prime Minister Najib Miqati denounced on Friday that recent attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi that killed the ambassador and three others, saying that the “friendly” U.S. people shouldn't be held responsible for the work of an “individual” citizen.

“We strongly condemn the attack in Libya,” Miqati said during a meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly at the Grand Serail.

Pope Benedict XVI arrived on Friday for a three-day visit to Lebanon, to bring a message of peace for the Middle East.

His plane arrived at Beirut international airport to a massive official, media, and popular reception.

French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian lauded on Thursday the Lebanese government's decision to disassociate itself from the Syrian crisis, saying that France will continue to support Lebanon.

He said: “France will maintain its support for the Lebanese army through all possible means.”

President Michel Suleiman congratulated on Wednesday the Lebanese army for the various security operations it carried out in recent days, most notably the release of the kidnapped Syrian and Turkish nationals.

He stressed the need to follow up on these measures and take the legal measures against violators.

Prime Minister Najib Miqati will preside an official Lebanese delegation to New York at the end of September to participate in the annual United Nations General Assembly's meeting, An Nahar newspaper reported on Wednesday.

According to the daily, the premier's speech will highlight the importance of implementing peace in the Middle East and Lebanon's ambition to witness its accomplishment.