iloubnan - Hariri salutes Women in Lebanon on their International Day - March 08, 2011

On the occasion of the International Women's Day, Caretaker Prime Minister Saad Hariri issued a statement supporting the rights of women in Lebanon and the Arab world.

“Each year, on March 8th, the world celebrates the International Women's Day. It is a special occasion in the Arab world this year, as the Arab woman has proven her efficiency, competence and courage, and was a pioneer in organizing and leading demonstrations and demanding freedom, dignity and decent living."

"On the eve of the sixth anniversary of the March 14th 2005 uprising, the uprising for freedom and independence, we cannot forget the distinguished, brilliant and leading role that the Lebanese woman played for the success of this revolution."

"On this occasion, we must highlight some of the national unity government’s achievements in strengthening the role of Lebanese women and developing laws, particularly the adoption of a draft law to protect women from domestic violence and a draft law to punish the crime of human trafficking."

"In addition to the adoption of a decree that grants residency to the foreign husband of a Lebanese woman a year after their marriage and a courtesy residency to her children. This can be considered a temporary solution until a consensus is provided on giving the Lebanese woman married to a foreigner the right to give her children the Lebanese nationality, a question that we hope to discuss calmly away from political outbidding." 

Hariri said the the council of ministers approved the integration of the principle of "women's quota" in the draft law on municipal elections inorder to activate the role of women in public affairs and incite them to enter the political arena and to ensure public service.

"Because we were and still are against any moral or physical violence, we hope that the parliament will rapidly approve the draft law protecting women from domestic violence, activate the legislation, and adopt all pending laws which aim to protect women and enhance their role in public affairs."

Hariri saluted Arab women and Lebanese women in particular, and paid tribute to the civilized movement of Lebanese women that Beirut has witnessed in support of the "continuation of the March 14th path, and raising the Lebanese voice in order to protect truth and achieve justice”.