Sleiman hails role of army in Tripoli

Lebanese President Michel Sleiman says that actions of the country's armed forces in the northern city of Tripoli are aimed at restoring stability in the region and have nothing to do with what is going on in Syria. During his cabinet meeting on Monday morning at Baabda Palace, Sleiman said the Supreme Defence Council is always ready to intervene to restore stability to any troubled region, and called for everyone to support its work in imposing security, and building bridges of trust between citizens and authorities. The cabinet also discussed the topic of increasing public sector salaries and wages, as well as implementing financial and administrative reform measures in interest of the national economy. The president started his speech by paying condolences to the Lebanese and Syrian people for the death of Patriarch Ignatius IV Hazim. He also offered condolences to the families of the victims of recent events in Tripoli. After pointing to the national role played by the Lebanese army, the president referred to his last visit to Greece, in which he saw broad opportunities for investment. President Sleiman explained that low asset prices in Greece meant investment opportunities for Lebanese investors. At home, the president demanded that living, economic and social affairs were to be given priority, so that people's needs and rights could be balanced with economic fundamentals and fiscal policy of the Lebanese state. Prime Minister Najib Mikati praised the positive impact of the decisions of the Supreme Defence Council, which saw field action and deployment of troops in parts of Tripoli. According to the prime minister, these measures resulted in a state of calmness until Sunday night.   Upon the PM's request, President Sleiman agreed to push on with the development projects that were approved for Tripoli and other northern areas affected by poor living conditions. The president concluded by praising the Lebanese army once again and said it had fulfilled its role of communicating with the Lebanese people.