Lebanon's new president Michel Sleiman has appealed for unity after being sworn in following a parliament vote that many hope will end the country's long-running political crisis.
‘Let us unite... and work towards a solid reconciliation,’ the former army chief said after being sworn in before lawmakers.
‘We have paid dearly for our national unity. Let us preserve it hand-in-hand.
‘I call upon all of you, politicians and citizens, to start a new phase called Lebanon and the Lebanese... in order to achieve the interests of the nation,’ he said.
He vowed to protect the country's constitution, sovereignty and independence and urged the Lebanese to put their differences aside to bring about a new era.
‘I swear by God almighty that I will respect Lebanon's constitution and its rules and that I will protect the sovereignty of Lebanon and the security of its territory,’ he said.
Lawmakers greeted Mr Sleiman, 59, when he arrived in parliament with a standing ovation following the vote.
‘Michel Sleiman got 118 votes and I declare him president of Lebanon,’ parliament speaker and opposition leader Nabih Berri said.
Of the 127 MPs who voted, six cast blank ballots and one voted for slain ex-premier Rafiq Hariri and several MPs killed in Lebanon since 2005.
One MP also voted for former MP Jean Obeid and another voted for majority MP Nassib Lahoud.
Celebratory gunshots were fired into the air across Beirut following the announcement of the vote.
Mr Sleiman was elected after a deal between the government and the opposition to end a deadlock that had left the presidency vacant since November.
