BEIRUT, Sept 4 (AFP) - Lebanese President Emile Lahoud, whose term has been extended by a controversial constitutional amendment, moved Saturday to heal the wounds of the political battle, saying the debate reinforced the country's democracy.
In a statement, he underlined the need to "turn the page of the past in this new stage, to open up to the future ... and most of all strive to bring the people and the state together."
The pro-Damascus leader thanked parliament for extending his mandate by a half-term of three years starting on November 24 under heavy pressure from political master neighbour, Syria.
The constitutional amendment Friday night passed by 96 votes to 29, with three absentees, despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an end to foreign interference in Lebanon.
Lahoud nevertheless included in his thanks those who opposed changing the country's charter "since the differences of opinion on internal disagreements do not express hostility but divergent points of view, which are at the heart of the democratic Lebanese regime."
"On this basis, I do not believe there were losers or winners from yesterday's results," he said, adding that no matter how "acerbic" the debate it confirmed "the good health and strength of our regime."