Lebanese president: Syrian presence in Lebanon legitimate
Lebanon, Politics, 4/24/2000

Lebanese President Emile Lahoud returned to Beirut on Friday concluding a tour which lasted for six days and took him to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Iran and Egypt.

In an arrival statement the Lebanese president expressed dissatisfaction with the attempts made "by some persons to create disorder and to doubt the country's political and economic issues."

The Lebanese president warned against going to extremes that give Israel a "free of charge service." He added that, " Whenever Israel undergoes pressure, attempts are made again to create confusion in the internal arena and to foment sedition."

President Lahoud continued that those who talk about Syria's presence in Lebanon intentionally ignore the fact that this very presence is legitimate and is linked to serving the interests of Lebanon. He added that all should know that internal and external voices had earlier caused a fight among members of the same community, and they never served Lebanon. "The same voices are again moving to serve Israel," he said.

The Lebanese president questioned why those voices advocate strange notions at a time when Israel is leaving south Lebanon with a defeat, stressing that those voices have to realize that an action in this connection eventually serves Israel, especially in the current conditions.

Commenting on the economic conditions in Lebanon, the Lebanese president said the monetary and banking systems are solid and protected. The controversy about the economic situation intends to raise unjustifiable fears, to distract the attention from basic issues, and to prevent Lebanon from investing the recent victory against Israel.

Lahoud stated: "Those who are involved in these affairs will soon, and as usual, be losers because our confidence in Lebanon and its capabilities is great, and through which we were able in the past to overcome greater obstacles."

Previous Stories:
  Lebanese forces: Richard statements flagrant intervention in Lebanese affairs   (4/21/2000)
  Hizbullah resistance acts on increase   (4/21/2000)
  Mubarak, Lahoud hold talks   (4/20/2000)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search