NNA - President of the Republic, Michel Sleiman, on Thursday ratcheted up the pressure on Lebanese officials to opt for political scenarios that alleviate tension at the local scene and keep Lebanon away from regional calamities "for the sake of Lebanon's children and their future."



The President's words came during the launching of a works plan which aims to abolish child labor in Lebanon.



On this occasion, Sleiman implored the Lebanese to keep social matters at the top of their priorities, and called on Speaker of the House Nabih Berri to swiftly resume Parliament discussions on the pending salary scale and retirement plans.



"Child-related problems have never been self-made, but the absolute outcome of the social political and educational influence, starting from ones family, school, workplace, as well as political inclinations," Sleiman said, touting robust plans to limit corruption and administrative-constitutional obstruction.



Moreover, Sleiman urged the Lebanese to garner their sources of power in a united national defense strategy in a bid to nurture good grounds for investments, away from enemy violations and regional conflicts.



The President did not fail to recount the fact the Baabda declaration has attained unanimous content by the majority of the Lebanese, not to mention the adoption of international institutions.



"Our children have suffered a lot while we have been oblivious to their needs. They're not asking us for much -- all they seek is a normal living in an environment that protects them and among a family that embraces them away from violence," Sleiman said.



"Our children seek leaders that respect Lebanon's laws and constitution. Leaders who are willing to place Lebanon's interests above all," he added, noting that social tension is the outcome of the nation's official's failure to hold dialogue.



Caretaker Minister, Salim Jreissati, delivered a word on the occasion in which he stressed that attempts to abolish child labor was not only achieved through legislations.



"The Ministry of Labor has placed this matter at the top of its agenda (...) and has issued a decree back in 2012 which prohibits child labor," Jreisatti said.


===============R.H.