Lebanese President hopes to end Syrian crisis

Lebanese President Michel Sleiman has expressed his hope that security and stability will come to Syria soon, with citizens’ rights protected from the threat of sectarianism and extremism. The Lebanese leader also spoke about the high number of refugees arriving into the country, calling the situation “a real challenge.” \"It is important to unite diplomatic efforts to bring about a diplomatic solution to Syria,” the President said, “which allows the return of thousands of Syrian refugees to their homes with dignity and security.” He added: \"The growing number of refugees has become a real challenge that requires an urgent solution – that means joint responsibility in carrying the burden and sharing the cost.” Sleiman renewed his support for Cypriot sovereignty, independence and unity according to relevant United Nations resolutions. He stressed Lebanon’s interest in monitoring the conditions of Maronite Cypriots who, he said, suffered most from the repercussions of division. President Sleiman stressed the need for establishing just and comprehensive peace in the region, ending the Palestinian crisis and the Arab-Israeli conflict as a whole, in accordance with international law and the Madrid Initiative, the 1991 peace deal hosted by Spain. Cypriot President Demetris Christofias meanwhile expressed fears around ongoing unrest inside Syria, celebrating the Lebanese government for distancing itself from the crisis. Christofias thanked Lebanon for its “constant support” for Cyprus in the islanders’ struggle to reach a just and viable solution for its cause. Following the meeting, Lebanese and Cypriot presidents received guests for dinner, including parliamentary Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Deputy Prime Minister Samir Mokbel and a number of other senior political and religious figures.