Al-Shara talks on the telephone with al-Hoss, confers with UN envoy
Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 4/8/2000

A telephone call was made on Friday between Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara and Lebanese Premier and Foreign Minister Salim al-Hoss.

The telephone conversation dealt with developments in the region, especially Israel's possible withdrawal from south Lebanon and the obstacles placed by Israel against the peace process in the region.

On Friday evening al-Shara received Terry Larson, the special envoy for UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.

Larson conveyed a message from the UN chief to al-Shara on Annan's recent talks with Israeli Foreign Minister David Levy.

Annan understood from his talks with the Israeli foreign minister that Israel intends to implement UN resolutions 425 and to pull out of the Lebanese territories.

The Syrian foreign minister told Larson that Syria fully supports Lebanon and understands Lebanon's security concerns occurring from the Israeli refusal throughout the past 22 years to withdraw unconditionally from south Lebanon.

The Syrian foreign minister refuted the allegations made by Israel and its objectives, stressing that Syria cannot object to a total and unconditional Israeli withdrawal, but rather considered it as an important gain for Lebanon, for the Lebanese resistance and for the Arabs.

Al-Shara continued, "Whether it is a real pullout or a maneuver by Israel to flee peace, Syria will never the succumb to pressure from any source and will not give up her rights to the lands and waters."

He added that Syria will continue to call upon the international community, especially the UN Security Council, to implement all resolutions connected to the Arab- Israeli conflict with a view to setting up a just and comprehensive peace that ends all forms of Israeli occupation and ensures security for all.

Al-Shara also told the UN envoy that in line with the provisions of the Syrian- Lebanese fraternity, cooperation and coordination treaty, the two countries will make the right decision at the proper time that serves the common interests and the question of peace and security in the region.

Previous Stories:
  Al-Shara confers with Swedish FM on Middle East peace   (4/6/2000)
  Lebanese - Syrian move to revitalize European role in the peace process   (4/5/2000)
  Swedish foreign minister starts visit to Beirut and Damascus   (4/4/2000)

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