President Michel Sleiman invited the Lebanese community in Sao Paulo-Brazil to "Return to Lebanon to restore its glory once again," he stressed that, "Lebanon should be a gateway of Brazil and Latin America to the Middle East."

Sleiman expressed his desire to see Lebanese expatriates back in the north, the Bekaa, the South, the Mountain and Beirut, adding he "will not open the doors of Baabda Palace for anyone except consolidated organizations which are united and promote Lebanese solidarity." Sleiman promised to give citizenships to expatriates and to allow them to vote in 2013.

The speech of President of the Republic came during a reception held by Consul of Lebanon Joseph Sayyah at Monte Libano Club in honor of President Sleiman and his wife, Mrs. Wafaa, and the accompanying delegation. The reception was attended by a number of Lebanese and Brazilian officials.

President Sleiman spoke candidly to the expatriates assuring them that Lebanon today enjoyed political stability, security and economic development, and has successfully regained its position on the international map. "Lebanon is respected by all countries," he added, "and has established diplomatic relations with Syria, which opened a new area to promote trust between the two countries."

Sleiman added, "On the security level, I assure you that the army and security forces are carrying out their duties properly. The Lebanese will face Israeli threats united and will back up their army and resistance." As for terrorist attempts at dragging Lebanon into the gutter of fear, those wicked endeavors were crushed by the Lebanese army in Nahr al-Barid. Moreover, the International Tribunal was working diligently to uncover the truth in the assassination of martyr Prime Minister Rafic Hariri and his companions.

"At the economic level," continued Sleiman, "Lebanon is witnessing an economic revolution and growth. In 2009, we achieved a growth rate of 8% and doubled deposits in banks for more than 100 billion dollars and increased reserves of the Bank of Lebanon to 45 billion dollars, which has re-established the status of Lebanon as Switzerland of the Middle East. The growth in tourism has risen by 39%, as Lebanon was visited by many expatriates and tourists."

Sleiman acknowledged the rights of Lebanese expatriates to actively participate in the political life of their mother-country. He promised to give voting rights to expatriates in 2013, and the restoration of citizenship to those who desire it. "Globalization has imposed on any citizen to have several nationalities," stated Sleiman, "and you are more deserving of Lebanese citizenship than others, and your children are more deserving of that nationality than others."

President Sleiman ended his speech by giving an advice that applied to all Lebanese, whether in Lebanon or abroad, "Do not allow sectarianism to enter your hearts. Do not hesitate to visit Lebanon this summer, I and the accompanying delegation and your families are waiting for you."

At the conclusion of the meeting, the club president awarded President Michel Sleiman a trophy as a sign of reverence and appreciation.

25/4/2010