Sleiman: Equal power-sharing must be kept

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BEIRUT, Lebanon, Dec. 2 (UPI) -- A proposal to end Lebanon's political sectarianism must preserve diversity and power sharing, President Michel Sleiman says.

Speaking Tuesday to a delegation from the Beirut Bar Association, Sleiman praised Speaker Nabih Berri's recent plans for a National Coexistence Charter, which aims to abolish political sectarianism and promote unity, but warned it would need to be coupled with assurances that no sect would lose its power, The Daily Star reported.

"Abolishing political sectarianism must preserve fundamentals such as diversity and equal power sharing among various sects," Sleiman said, adding that "national unity" is needed to solve major issues.

The Charter, he reportedly said, "characterizes Lebanon and gives legitimacy to all institutions."

The Daily Star said the pact has been signed by leaders of all of Lebanon's major sects.