by daily star.com.lb SWEIMEH, Jordan/BEIRUT: Bearing a message of peace to the Arab Summit, President Michel Aoun Wednesday called for cooperation and reconciliation across the Arab world, a process he said Lebanon could be an intrinsic part of. “The Arab League, which is the institution that unifies the Arabs, must regain its role and mission in virtue of the principles, objectives and spirit of its charter in order to preserve its member states and to save its people, its sovereignty, its independence and its wealth,” Aoun said in his speech to the summit.

“Its pressing role today is to take the reins of an efficient initiative that is likely to influence the course of events, put an end to the bloodshed and extinguish the raging fire.” The president also highlighted Lebanon’s assistance to refugees, but reiterated the detrimental consequences of the presence of such a large number of Syrian refugees. “Alleviating the misery of the displaced, saving them from the hardship of their forced emigration, and sparing Lebanon the socio-economic, security and political fallout of the constant increase in numbers, will only be achieved by their safe return to their homes,” he said. The Arab Summit was a resounding success, and the Arab League had a substantial role to play in this achievement, sources who participated in the conference told The Daily Star. Jordan welcomed 18 heads of state to the shores of the Dead Sea, a large turnout rarely witnessed at Arab Summits.

Aoun, 82, gave his speech after suffering what looked to be a particularly nasty fall as he arrived at the summit. Video footage showed the president’s tumble, which quickly went viral on social media. A statement was issued by the president’s office saying Aoun was in good health and would proceed at the conference.

Aoun was accompanied by Prime Minister Saad Hariri, Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil and Economy Minister Raed Khoury as part of the Lebanese delegation. A member of the delegation told The Daily Star that Lebanon’s foremost achievement was its ability to offer a united front, exemplified by the amicable relationship between Aoun and Hariri, despite a failed attempt at undermining this unity by some of Lebanon’s previous leaders on the eve of the summit.U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ speech at the summit, during which he focused on making Beirut a center of civilizations and culture, was met with positivity by Arab leaders who welcomed the idea.