Lebanon's president lays out national defence vision

Lebanese President Michel Sleiman presented Thursday his vision of an integrated national defense strategy during the Lebanon National Dialogue session. According to the Lebanese National News Agency (NNA), conferees agreed to consider this vision as a starting point for further discussions in order to reach an ultimate national defense approach. The Lebanese President built on the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Lebanon, saying it shed light on Lebanon's role as a message of freedom and coexistence. Sleiman also reiterated his condemnation of the anti-Islam film and the cartoons insulting the Prophet (PBUH). Participants also voiced their support for the cabinet’s call for an international law that criminalizes insults against religions. The Lebanese National Dialogue meeting held in August had called on the Lebanese government to take all necessary measures imposing security on Lebanese territories, in a manner that preserves stability and development as well as Lebanon's international status.