Caretaker Minister of Culture, Judge Mohammad Wissam Mortada, stressed on Sunday that "protecting the Christian presence in Lebanon is a duty shouldered by Muslims," adding that "preserving diversity in this country guarantees the entity's continuity and perseverance."

Mortada's words came during his inauguration of the exhibition, "Artistic Mirrors", held at the UNESCO Palace, in the presence of a crowd of dignitaries.

He added: "Sectarian strife dates back to a time gone by, and there is no going back to it," stressing that the return is for those honest working to build a homeland for all its people.

He continued to point out that "the president of the republic who will be elected is for all the Lebanese, and is the unifying reference with whom everyone meets." Therfeore, he underlined the need for the future president to enjoy the qualities that would enable him to play this role.

"A patriotic, Arab president who preserves the resistance, embraces all the Lebanese, steadfast in building a state of institutions, dignified, does not encourage strife at home and does not fear intimidation from abroad," Mortada added, describing the qualities of the aspired for president.