Lebanon's new president Michel Sleiman prepared for his first full day in office Monday after hearing his appeal for unity in the violence-hit country endorsed on all sides by the international community. "Let us unite... and work towards a solid reconciliation," the 59-year-old former army chief said after being sworn in following his election by parliament on Sunday."We have paid dearly for our national unity. Let us preserve it hand-in-hand." With his election hailed as the start of a new era, nations on different sides of the political divide seemed united in wishing Sleiman well in his mission. The celebrations came just days after a bitter political feud had threatened to plunge the nation into civil war.