Lebanese premier at the Vatican
Lebanon-Vatican, Politics, 3/3/2000

Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss quoted Pope John Paul II as asserting the "Vatican's interest" in Lebanon, his love and care for it. Al-Hoss called on the Pope to back the Lebanese position due to "the remarkable position the Vatican enjoys and the role it can play to this end."

The meeting, which was held at the Pope's office at the Vatican, lasted for half an hour, at the end of which the Lebanese delegation accompanying al-Hoss joined the meeting. Token awards were exchanged.

Al-Hoss conveyed to the Pope greetings and esteem appreciation of the Lebanese President Emil Lahoud and the Pope asked al-Hoss to convey a reply message to the Lebanese president and people.

The Lebanese premier explained the continued Israeli aggressions against it, noting that the Pope "attentively listened to these explanations and showed understanding to the Lebanese position and unwavering stances concerning the peace process and its clinging to Israel's withdrawal from all its territories according to the UN resolution 425 and the right of the Palestinian refugees to return back to their homelands."

Al-Hoss described his meeting with the pope as "very warm, friendly and positive."

The Lebanese premier also held in Rome a meeting with Italian Premier Massimo D'Alema in the presence of Italian officials. Talks dealt with the peace settlement in the Middle East, the Lebanese position towards it and the Italian aid to Lebanon.

The prime minister felt the understanding of the Italian side for the Lebanese stand, and Rome expressed readiness to continue providing aid, especially for south Lebanon.

Previous Stories:
  Lebanese prime minister to the Vatican today   (3/1/2000)
  France assures its stable policy toward the Middle East   (2/29/2000)
  Lebanese-Italian relations highlighted   (9/11/1999)

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