The President of the Lebanese Republic, General Michel Aoun, said that Lebanon "will rise again, there are signals of improvement, the state will return strong, Lebanon will return to be the first financial, economic and ethical center in the East.”
The President assured that he would ensure the protection of the interests of the State and those of the citizens, in Beirut and in all the other towns and villages of Lebanon.
He said he would accept the invitation of several Arab states on the basis of mutual respect not dependence.
Delegation of Greek Catholic Higher Council
The president of the Republic received yesterday a delegation of Greek Catholic Higher Council chaired by Caretaker Tourism Minister Michel Pharaon.
Mr. Pharaon conveyed to the President the greetings of Patriarch Gregory III Laham, who was to preside over an urgent meeting for the Synod of the Community and congratulated President Aoun considering that his election reflected the heart of the national pact and the Taif agreement to which the Lebanese are attached. Mr. Pharaon also said that he had discussed with President Aoun some of the community's demands that will be forwarded to the next cabinet.
President Aoun reaffirmed the importance he attaches to border villages, as he said in his message of independence. He affirmed that the state will rise again after the weakness that hit the power, emphasizing on the respect of laws, the pact and partnership. He said that the country will rise again, there are signals of improvement, the state will return strong, Lebanon will return to be the first financial, economic and ethical center in the East. The future will be, hopefully, promising and the meeting of banks that opened its work in Beirut is a phenomenon that confirms confidence in Lebanon.
 The Orthodox Encounter
President Aoun met with a delegation of the "Orthodox Encounter" presided over by his secretary-general, former MP Marwan Abou Fadel, who said that the Lebanese have full confidence that President Aoun will lead the ship aboard.
He called for strengthening the position of the Deputy Prime Minister and to appoint a personality from the heart of the Orthodox presence.
President Aoun thanked the delegation for its visit and called for fairness among all denominations.
He said the future would be radiant and he would respond favorably to the invitations he had received from several Arab countries on the basis of mutual respect and not dependence.
Delegation of the "meeting of the national parties"
The president of the republic met with a delegation of "Lebanese national parties, forces and personalities" presided over by Mr. Kassem Saleh who transmitted to President Aoun the support of the different parties.
He said "Our encounter brings together 33 Lebanese parties and we confirm that we are standing by your Excellency hoping that your efforts will be crowned with success in the next phase of Lebanon's history.”
President Aoun said: "We have put the country back on track because our agreement ensures security and stability in our society and promotes diversity in unity.”
"The important thing for us today is the economic situation and that is why it is urgent to start with the economy and then the openness of Lebanon.”
 He added: "The dangers that come from outside are precise and known: Israel and terrorism.”
Delegation of the Evangelical Church
President Aoun received Pastor Salim Sahyoun, leader of the evangelical community accompanied by a delegation of members of the community. The delegation informed President Aoun of the objectives of the forthcoming conference organized by the League in Lebanon and of the activities carried out by the evangelical church to consolidate the presence of Christians in the Middle East. The delegation expressed the joy of the members of the community following the election of President Aoun as he supports the cause of Christians in the Middle East and has always worked to safeguard their presence and their rights.”
MP Amin Wehbé
The President received MP Amin Wehbé, with whom he discussed the general situation and needs of the Western Bekaa region.
Former Minister Abdel Rahim Mourad
The President also received former Minister Abdel Rahim Mourad and discussed with him current issues.
Former Minister Ziad Baroud
President Aoun also met with former Minister Ziad Baroud and his wife who congratulated the President on his election. The visit was also an opportunity for an overview of political issues.
Fouad Makhzoumi
President of the national dialogue party, Fouad Makhzoumi, visited the presidential palace in Baabda to congratulate President Aoun on his election as head of state.
Beirut municipal council
President Aoun received the Mayor of Beirut, Jamal Itani, at the head of a municipal delegation to congratulate the President of the Republic. The delegation informed the president of the municipality's work program and of the projects it intends to implement in the capital, especially in terms of infrastructure, parking lots, electricity, water and environment.
Delegation of the Conference on Mitigation of Drug Risk
This Aoun received the Director of the Regional Office of the Joint United Nations Program on HIV / AIDS (UNAIDS) accompanied by the ambassador of the good intentions of the Program, Egyptian actress Yousra, the executive director of the regional network for the fight against drugs, Mr Elie Aaraj and media coordinator of the conference, Amal Elias Sleiman.
Delegation of the Progressive Socialist Party
President Aoun also received a delegation from the Progressive Socialist Party which conveyed to the president the greetings of the party's president, MP Walid Joumblat.