AOUN Praises French President's Efforts at Cedre Conference: Lebanon Can Only Rise Through Reforms, Corruption-Fighting

19 Apr 2018

Lebanon - "The re-emergence of Lebanon will only take place with the economic, financial and social reforms it urgently needs," said President of the Republic, General Michel Aoun, in a letter addressed to his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, whereby he expressed appreciation for the efforts exerted by the latter to ensure the success of the CEDRE Conference.

Aoun uttered gratitude for "the French financial contribution which came in the form of donations and long-term loans that meet Lebanon's urgent needs and aim at launching this growth movement."

President Aoun relayed to his counterpart full confidence that "the French support for Lebanon will be as fruitful at the Brussels conference as it was at the Rome II Conference," adding that "it reflects the deep-rooted historic relations between our two countries."

He stressed that "the re-emergence of Lebanon will only take place with the achievement of economic, financial and social reforms urgently needed by the country, and which are in line with the final statement at the CEDRE Conference and with one of my main concerns, which is to fight corruption and its dangers. There is no doubt that bringing new blood to the House of Representatives with the upcoming parliamentary elections, and the formation of a new government, would contribute to these efforts."

President Aoun concluded his letter with an invitation to President Macron to visit Lebanon.

President Aoun at “Equality in democracy” Conference: to Approach Democracy We Need Secular State

18 Apr 2018

Lebanon - "If we were to be asked to define democracy we would, at first, think that we have an easy answer," said President of the Republic, General Michel Aoun, at the opening of the International Conference on “Equality in Democracy”.

"We assume that once we describe the rule in a country as democratic, then there is a democratic system that prevails. Has that been the truth, there would be no crises."

"Democracy is a form of regime in which citizens exercise power directly or through an authority such as the parliament," Aoun said. "Democracy, in the definition of the United Nations, is no longer just a form of regime but a way to guarantee human rights, among which the right t vote."

"Equality is to enjoy rights without discrimination by race, sex, ethnicity or any other criteria, and everyone has the right for equal protection against discrimination," the Head of State maintained.

"Regrettably, the principle of equality cannot be properly applied in Lebanon as long as its sectarian system determines the identity of those in power. Should we want to approach democracy, it is imperative to reach a secular State," he said.

"When we ask why the gap is widening between classes in democratic countries, the argument would be that democracy has not achieved social equality. There is no democracy without accountability," he said, referring to "Lebanon's sad reality because of the absence of accountability."

"Unjust international policies lead to conflicts and tension in the world, thus the spread of terrorism," Aoun added, noting that "the spirit of democracy is one and indivisible."

"With accountability promoted and sectarianism tuned down, we are able to achieve the aspirations of the Lebanese people and anchor Lebanon's message of coexistence and peace," the President concluded.