iloubnan- Independence Eve: Sleiman restates commitment to STL, dialogue, right of return, November 22, 2011

President of the Republic Michel Sleiman on Monday emphasized the importance of national unity, deeming it the best means to preserve Lebanon's 68th Independence.

Speaking to the Lebanese from the fortress of Rashaya on the eve of Independence Day, President Sleiman delivered an overview on local and regional political developments. He underlined Lebanon's primary interest at the international commitments level: "the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL)." 

"We must not give the blind eye to things which had been approved at the dialogue table," Sleiman said, affirming Lebanon's continued respect to international resolutions, namely the STL. Moreover, the President underlined the essential need to enforce the law on illegitimate arms owners, especially on those owned by Palestinian refugees. He also reminded that this had also been agreed upon at the dialogue table. 

"The Lebanese should stay away from anything that might adversely affect civil peace by adopting the principle of dialogue and equity", the President said in his address to Lebanese citizens.

Furthermore, the President listed the main steps that paved the way for today's independence. He hailed the will of the people who gave Lebanon its Independence and who vowed to safeguard the national accord.

The President also capitalized on the critical phase Lebanon and the region endured, starting with non-stop Israeli violations of Lebanon, Arab-Israeli conflict, the Palestinian cause and revolutions rocking in the region.

Finally, the President urged the Lebanese remain on the alert coping with regional developments, underscoring the importance of preserving diplomatic relations with Syria and snubbing any attempt at naturalizing Palestinians in Lebanon.