Suleiman Denies Visit to Damascus, Says Security is Cabinet Priority

President Michel Suleiman has denied that he would visit Damascus along with Premier Najib Miqati, saying however that it was the PM’s duty to travel to Syria.

In remarks to Ad-Diyar daily published Saturday, Suleiman said: “The prime minister’s visit is a duty and is possible at any time but it’s up to him to decide the appropriate timing.”

The president made his comment as al-Liwaa newspaper said that the Grand Serail is making arrangements for Miqati’s visit to Saudi Arabia, adding that his trip to Syria will not be made soon but that the priority would be for Suleiman to head to Damascus.

Suleiman told Ad-Diyar that the new cabinet would work on consolidating security. “The Lebanese army has proved through its function and behavior that it is the only guarantee to serve peace.”

“We look forward to building a vision for Lebanon’s future and drawing its renewed role amid the successive changes in the region and the world,” he said.

When asked by Ad-Diyar about a gathering of officials, including Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun, that will be held at his hometown of Amsheet this month, Suleiman said that he invited the officials because he wanted to honor Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi.

“It is not a political gathering but it would serve the Christians in particular and the Lebanese in general,” Suleiman said, adding that the meeting would help the reconciliation process.

He said he would send invitations to resume the national dialogue soon.