Lahoud calls for steadfastness and unity
Lebanon, Politics, 3/30/2000

Lebanese President Emile Lahoud has stated that Lebanon is ready to face all eventualities. He added that the Israeli threats made recently against Lebanon in the wake of the Geneva summit between Presidents al-Assad and Clinton hold no fear for Lebanon and will not affect Lebanon's decisive link with Syria or its internal unity.

Upon receiving a delegation of writers, researchers and journalists who took part in a seminar held by the Lebanese Arabic language daily al-Safir on the occasion of its 26th foundation anniversary, the Lebanese president stressed the importance of strengthening the Lebanese internal front. He indicated that Israel may resort to misleading campaigns and groundless reports with the objective of creating sedition among the Lebanese. He said Lebanon has no option but to be steadfast and support the resistance.

The Lebanese president added, "If Israel withdrew, it will be a victory for Lebanon and for all Arabs. Because it is the first time then, that Israel has been forced to withdraw its forces under the pressure of the Lebanese resistance from an occupied Arab land."

On the results of the Geneva summit, the Lebanese president said Lebanon and Syria are very enthusiastic about achieving peace, but not any peace. He added, "We are for a comprehensive peace that restores our full and complete rights."

He indicated that the experience taking place, bringing Syria and Lebanon together, is unique of its kind and is firmly going ahead on the grounds of the unity of the two tracks, adding that these ties are today stronger than any other day.

The Lebanese president stressed that the Israeli withdrawal does not in itself solve the problem but remains a time bomb in Lebanon, represented by the Palestinian refugees who were deported by Israel, and now Israel is trying to disavow its responsibilities towards them and leave them to their fate in the host countries. He indicated that Lebanon rejects the settlement of the Palestinians in its lands.

Previous Stories:
  Lebanon prepared for meetings of Arab foreign ministers   (3/10/2000)
  Lebanon protests French premier's statement describing Lebanese resistance as terrorism   (2/26/2000)
  Fontaine: Israel does not want peace   (2/25/2000)

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