Lebanon: We did not withdraw our objection to Annan's announcement on Israel's withdrawal
Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 6/19/2000

The Lebanese presidency has denied that Lebanon had withdrawn its objection to the announcement made by the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan that "Israel had completed its withdrawal from Lebanon, according to UN resolution 425."

This was declared by Lebanon after the UN Security Council on Saturday evening reached a deadlock to declare an official stand concerning Annan's announcement, following seven hours of discussions during which Russia refused any official statement by the UN Security Council about the Israeli withdrawal that does not please the Lebanese government.

A statement by the general directorate of the Lebanese presidency said on Sunday that the news of withdrawing Lebanese objection to Annan's announcement is categorically not correct and despite the intensive contacts made in the early hours of Sunday morning by the US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to convince Lebanon to withdraw its objection and to approve Annan's announcement.

The Lebanese statement added that Lebanon was persistent that it will not give its consent unless it will be assured on that, beforehand, by the Lebanese team working with the UN team to this effect. The statement added that Lebanon considers the Israeli withdrawal as incomplete if the Israeli violations ( border incursions) will not be eliminated on the internationally recognized borders and that this Lebanese position was informed to Lebanon's permanent representative at the UN on Sunday morning.

Because of these developments the UN Security Council announced the postponement of its meeting until today ( Monday) in order to avail the Lebanese team to go to south Lebanon with UNIFIL's experts to verify and makes sure of several points which constitute Israeli violations on the border. They are 13 points.

However, this matter was reaffirmed by the Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss who called on Israel to evacuate all centers and positions used to be existed inside the Lebanese territories. He hoped that the Lebanese team will be able of resuming the verification of these Israeli violations as soon as possible.

Annan who arrived in Tehran on Sunday in the framework of a tour to the region with the situation in Lebanon on top of his agenda, will meet today with the Lebanese President Emil Lahoud and the Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss to discuss latest efforts to implementing UN resolution 425.

To this effect, western diplomats at the UN said that Annan's position will be weak in light of his announcement that he had sent to the UN Security council for approval. An announcement which Lebanon found as deceiving.

Previous Stories:
  Lebanon says occupation continues in some locations   (6/17/2000)
  Lebanese premier denies Israeli claims on verifying Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon   (6/16/2000)
  Israel annexes tens of dunnums from South Lebanon   (6/9/2000)

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