BEIRUT, Oct. 31 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese President Michel Aoun said Thursday that Lebanon needs to form a government of experts regardless of their political affiliation to restore public trust and save the economy.
"What we need for now is a government that is capable of meeting people's needs to restore confidence in the political system and save the country from its current economic crisis," Aoun said in a televised speech celebrating his three-year presidency.
Aoun assured that the new government must be supported by the Lebanese population.
The president promised to get rid of sectarianism by building a secular state where people can work in favor of their country according to laws and regulations.
"We have a lot of work to do to raise awareness about this," he said.
Aoun also promised to fight against corruption through ensuring the appointment of transparent judicial bodies, in addition to adopting financial policies to create job opportunities for the Lebanese.
Aoun gave an overview of his achievements during the past three years, which included the fight against terrorism, the approval of an electoral law that guarantees fair representation for the Lebanese in the Parliament, and the formation of a national unity government.
He added that he had also worked hard on the international and regional levels to push for the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland.
Aoun's remarks came following 15 days of nationwide demonstrations calling for the mass resignation of the ruling class in Lebanon for its failing policies that led to the impoverishment of people and the accumulation of an alarming public debt.
Despite the resignation of Prime Minister Saad Hariri this week, the protesters vowed not to leave the streets until the whole political system is changed and corrupted politicians are held accountable for squandering public funds. Enditem
Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)