NABATIEH, Lebanon: Sheikh Abdel-Amir Qabalan, the Lebanese Higher Shia Council Vice President, has demanded that the new Parliament adopt a different political approach because Lebanon needs to increase its efforts, consolidate cooperation and promote responsibility to face the upcoming local and foreign challenges.

He stressed the need to strive to create a national front encompassing all national forces apart from sectarianism to serve the country's and the citizens' interests. He said the people, the majority of whom are poor, should be given their rights and services.

Advising state officials to start putting their electoral programs into practice, Qabalan added that the Lebanese should contribute to the effort to achieve national unity, coexistence, fraternity and cooperation.

"This can be made possible by staying away from bickering and nepotism, and by agreeing to rescue the country and help its citizens face economic pressure and fight poverty, unemployment and underdevelopment that characterize so many utilities."

The cleric reiterated his calls for protecting the country by preserving its borders through the resistance and its armament.