Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

New Lebanese President Assumes Office | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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BEIRUT, Lebanon, (AP) – Military bands and an honor guard have greeted President Michel Suleiman on his first day at work in Lebanon’s presidential palace.

Army cannons fired 21 shots to salute Suleiman, who on Monday begins the monumental task of uniting a wounded nation and reconciling its rival political factions.

Dozens of staffers applauded as the newly elected leader walked down a red carpet at the gate of the palace in Beirut’s eastern suburb of Baabda. A band played Lebanon’s national anthem.

The country was without a president since November, when Emile Lahoud left office without a successor.