Tweet
IN ARMENIA, SLEIMAN REITERATES CALL FOR DIALOGUE
The Daily Star
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Politics/2011/Dec-09/156385-in-armenia-sleiman-reiterates-call-for-dialogue.ashx#axzz1g0xIQJb9
Dec 9 2011
Lebanon
BEIRUT: President Michel Sleiman said that he would maintain his call
for dialogue and for implementing agreements reached by Lebanese
leaders during previous dialogue sessions, on the first day of his
official visit to Armenia.
"We will continue to call for dialogue and work to implement the
decisions of the National Dialogue Conference, improve our democratic
performance and turn to legitimate institutions to resolve any emerging
problem away from violence," Sleiman said Thursday, addressing members
of the Lebanese community in Yerevan during a ceremony held in honor
of him and first lady Wafa Sleiman.
The president said that Lebanon was preparing for further reforms,
including drafting a new electoral law, implementing administrative
decentralization and enhancing the services sector, especially water
and electricity.
Sleiman voiced hope that Lebanon would exploit its maritime oil and
gas resources in the coming years, adding that exploration would
begin soon.
He said that Lebanon would continue to improve its national
capabilities to defend itself against any potential aggression
and continue putting pressure on Israel to implement U.N. Security
Council Resolution 1701, which put an end to Israel's summer 2006
war against Lebanon.
Sleiman also noted that Lebanese of Armenian origin living in Lebanon
and those in the diaspora "constitute a natural bridge of communication
between Lebanon and Armenia."
Thousands of Armenians fled persecution by Ottoman authorities to
Lebanon during World War I and obtained Lebanese citizenship.
Sleiman acknowledged the presence of "difficulties and problems"
obstructing opportunities for communication between Lebanese
expatriates in Armenia and Lebanese at home. He also spoke of the
absence of a direct flight between the two countries and administrative
difficulties.
"Operating a direct flight between Beirut and Yerevan is still a
subject of interest and study," he said, adding that bilateral ties
could be enhanced by intensifying visits and the inking of bilateral
agreements.
Reducing the cost of transporting goods between the two countries and
investment opportunities are significant as well, according to Sleiman.
Earlier Thursday, Sleiman and his wife toured the Matenaradan
Manuscript Museum with Armenia's Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian.
Sleiman voiced hope that stability would prevail in Arab countries
that are currently witnessing upheaval.
"We and you are closely following and are concerned about the
developments that are taking place in the Arab world and in Syria,
out of our desire for the future stability of these states and the
well-being of their people, but without interfering in their internal
affairs," he said.
Sleiman will meet Armenian officials, including President Serzh
Sarkseyan Friday.
A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Daily
Star on December 09, 2011, on page 1.
The Daily Star
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Politics/2011/Dec-09/156385-in-armenia-sleiman-reiterates-call-for-dialogue.ashx#axzz1g0xIQJb9
Dec 9 2011
Lebanon
BEIRUT: President Michel Sleiman said that he would maintain his call
for dialogue and for implementing agreements reached by Lebanese
leaders during previous dialogue sessions, on the first day of his
official visit to Armenia.
"We will continue to call for dialogue and work to implement the
decisions of the National Dialogue Conference, improve our democratic
performance and turn to legitimate institutions to resolve any emerging
problem away from violence," Sleiman said Thursday, addressing members
of the Lebanese community in Yerevan during a ceremony held in honor
of him and first lady Wafa Sleiman.
The president said that Lebanon was preparing for further reforms,
including drafting a new electoral law, implementing administrative
decentralization and enhancing the services sector, especially water
and electricity.
Sleiman voiced hope that Lebanon would exploit its maritime oil and
gas resources in the coming years, adding that exploration would
begin soon.
He said that Lebanon would continue to improve its national
capabilities to defend itself against any potential aggression
and continue putting pressure on Israel to implement U.N. Security
Council Resolution 1701, which put an end to Israel's summer 2006
war against Lebanon.
Sleiman also noted that Lebanese of Armenian origin living in Lebanon
and those in the diaspora "constitute a natural bridge of communication
between Lebanon and Armenia."
Thousands of Armenians fled persecution by Ottoman authorities to
Lebanon during World War I and obtained Lebanese citizenship.
Sleiman acknowledged the presence of "difficulties and problems"
obstructing opportunities for communication between Lebanese
expatriates in Armenia and Lebanese at home. He also spoke of the
absence of a direct flight between the two countries and administrative
difficulties.
"Operating a direct flight between Beirut and Yerevan is still a
subject of interest and study," he said, adding that bilateral ties
could be enhanced by intensifying visits and the inking of bilateral
agreements.
Reducing the cost of transporting goods between the two countries and
investment opportunities are significant as well, according to Sleiman.
Earlier Thursday, Sleiman and his wife toured the Matenaradan
Manuscript Museum with Armenia's Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian.
Sleiman voiced hope that stability would prevail in Arab countries
that are currently witnessing upheaval.
"We and you are closely following and are concerned about the
developments that are taking place in the Arab world and in Syria,
out of our desire for the future stability of these states and the
well-being of their people, but without interfering in their internal
affairs," he said.
Sleiman will meet Armenian officials, including President Serzh
Sarkseyan Friday.
A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Daily
Star on December 09, 2011, on page 1.