(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) BEIRUT, May 8 (KUNA) -- Lebanese President Michel Aoun announced on Tuesday his intention to call for a national dialogue to complete the implementation of the Taif accord and draw up a national defense strategy.
The strategy regulates the defense of the nation and preserves its sovereignty and territorial integrity, Aoun added in an address to the nation Tuesday evening.
In the address, Aoun congratulated the Lebanese people on the parliamentary elections held two days ago after nine year of absence.
He said that the vote of Lebanese people abroad for the first time in the history of contemporary Lebanon opens democratic practice to the desired modernity, and puts the country in the ranks of states, which respect the vote of every citizen wherever they are.
The Lebanese leader invited all parliamentary blocs to attend the dialogue at the headquarters of the parliament to assume the responsibility of working together in order to face common challenges and complete the march of reviving and building the country.
Aoun said that there are still many challenges facing the Lebanese, including achieving economic growth and e-government as a modern gateway to ensure transparency and combat corruption as well as help achieve social justice and sustainable development for all regions.
He noted that he would work with parliament speaker and prime minister, who will be named, so as to enable the new parliament restore its legislative and regulatory role to be a natural platform for discussing common issues which concern the Lebanese.
Aoun urged the Lebanese to be vigilant towards regional challenges resulted from wars which affected the country's security and economy.
He stressed that Lebanon will remain faithful to its Arab and international commitments, and continue to unify Arabs amid differences and fragmentation.
"This has negatively affected our common issues, and weakened our speech and the status of our peoples in the world," he said.
Two days ago, Lebanon held the parliamentary elections in which 128 parliamentarians were selected. The polls came after a nine-year suspension. (end) ayb.hm
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