BEIRUT, Lebanon, July 26 (UPI) -- Lebanon's new Cabinet said Tuesday it would seek parliamentary support for policies aimed at good ties with Syria and the right to defend itself against Israel.
The government of Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, in a policy statement released Tuesday, avoided reference to the implementation of U.N. Resolution 1559 which calls for the disarmament of Hezbollah. It did stress Lebanon's commitment to international law and respect for "international will," however.
"Armed resistance is a natural and national right of the Lebanese people in liberating their land and defending themselves against Israeli threats and ambitions," the statement said.
It also called for national dialogue on all controversial issues with the aim of boosting national unity.
The statement stressed Lebanon's commitment to establishing "healthy, serious, and distinctive relations with neighboring Syria on the basis of mutual respect and historic common interests."
Syria pulled its troops and intelligence forces out of Lebanon last April after almost three decades of controversial presence in its smaller and weaker neighbor.
The government also vowed to draft a new and fair election law and to fight corruption by introducing a wide range of political and economic reforms.
Parliament is expected to debate the policy statement Thursday before holding a vote of confidence.
