NNA - Information Minister, Walid Daouk, underlined that normalization with Israel- in its multiple forms-is unanimously unacceptable by all segments of the Lebanese society, since this plunges Lebanon into a spiral of contradictions and polarizations not in the interest of Lebanon's internal unity.



Minister Daouk's words came during the inaugural ceremony of the conference entitled "Resisting Normalization and Settlement", organized by Beirut Bar Association, at the Syndicate's headquarters on Friday morning.



The conference was attended by Justice Minister, Shakib Qertbawi, representing President of the Republic, Michel Sleiman, House Speaker Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister, Najib Mikati.



Scores of concerned judicial figures and political dignitaries were also present.



"Rejecting settlement has become part and parcel of national constants which are agreed upon by all the Lebanese," Daouk said.



He noted that such a rejection constitutes the common denominator among all the components of the Lebanese society, akin to national sovereignty, people and institutions' integrity, public liberties, sense of belonging and identity.



Daouk brought to attention that "Lebanon played a key and pivotal role at the diplomatic level in rejecting settlement", saying Lebanon has spared no effort in urging concerned states to put pressure on Israel to stop its settlement projects, abide by international and Arab resolutions that uphold Palestinians' right to an independent state.



The Minister noted Lebanon's assertion in all international podiums on the right of the Palestinian people to return to their homeland and restore their full right to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.


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