There was the sound of celebratory gunfire in Zgharta on the occasion of the election of former General Michel Suleiman as the 11th President of the Lebanese Republic, on Sunday, 25th May 2008.

The President of the Republic is the head of the state and the symbol of the nation's unity. He shall safeguard the constitution and Lebanon's independence, unity, and territorial integrity. The president shall preside over the Supreme Defense Council and be the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces which fall under the authority of the Council of Ministers.

Upon assuming office, the President of the Republic shall take an oath of fidelity before the Parliament to the Lebanese Nation and the constitution in the following terms:

"I swear by Almighty God to observe the Constitution and the laws of the Lebanese Nation and to maintain the independence of Lebanon and its territorial integrity."

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