Lahoud calls for a national unity government

Lebanese President Emile Lahoud called for a national unity government to face the recent developments in Lebanon and the region.

In a statement issued Thursday by media bureau at Lebanese leadership, Lahoud denied what is circulated on forming a military government.

"All what is rumored in this regard comes within the framework of campaigns of raising doubts and circulating rumors that target Lebanese national unity and negatively effect the role of constitutional establishments and its responsibilities at this stage," Lahoud said.

He renewed support to Premier-designate Omar Karami's efforts and contacts for the purpose of finding a national unity government that puts priorities on unveiling the surrounding conditions of the late premier Rafic Hariri's assassination, ensuring the best circumstances for honest and free parliamentary elections in addition to following up the implementation of all items of the Taif agreement.

Meantime, Lebanese parties asserted their compliance with the national and pan-Arab firm principles and the Taif Accord. The parties issued a statement in which they stressed solidarity with and care of the Lebanese national unity defending Lebanon.

Meantime, Patriarch Butros Sfeir called for a frank dialogue among all Lebanese and putting disputes aside.

Sfeir, during his meeting with members of the US senate and Parliament, emphasized that solidarity and national unity are the only means to reach Lebanon to safety shore.

He demanded to find a solution to the Palestinian cause rejecting settlement in Lebanon.