Lebanon President of Security Council for First Time since Half a Century

Local Editor

As of today, and for the first time in almost half a century, Lebanon will act as the UN Security Council president for the Month of May.

According to An-Nahar newspaper in an article published on Saturday, the country will focus on "dialogue between cultures" rather than "dialogue between civilizations or international peace and security" as it takes on the presidency.

The daily said President Michel Sleiman, Prime Minister Saad Hariri and Speaker Nabih Berri unanimously agreed on the approach during recent talks.

Meanwhile, an unidentified source told the daily that "Israel" will try to obstruct Lebanon's function as president of the Security Council with its recent accusations that Syria is arming Hezbollah with Scud missiles.

Lebanon was elected a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2009.