US deny holding reconstruction effort to south Lebanon as pressure
Lebanon-USA, Politics, 9/19/2000

The Lebanese President Emil Lahud assured his country's refusal for any conditions for convening the conference of the donor countries which will provide funds for reconstructing south Lebanon.

It was considered by some that the US is placing pressure on Lebanon by causing a delay in the donor conference in order to pressure Lebanon to deploy its security forces in South Lebanon. This charge has been denied however by the United States Ambassador to Lebanon, David Satterfield. According to the LNA, Satterfield assured that the USA is committed to the idea of the donor countries' conference, noting that for the benefit of Lebanon and its South, the conference should be well-prepared for.

"Ambassador Satterfield also stressed on the responsibility of the Lebanese government to exert all needed efforts to ensure security and stability in the South. In this context, Satterfield noted that it is impossible to talk about a set date for holding the donor countries' conference before completion of preparations for the said conference, " the LNA report said.

Satterfield said that there is no relation between the formation of a new Lebanese government and the postponement of the donor countries' conference, adding that the economic situation in Lebanon requires an utmost degree of support and assistance.

President Lahud added in declarations yesterday that Lebanon will not consider imposed conditions on it in order to receive help on account of its dignity and sovereignty, clarifying that Lebanon did not liberate its land by complaints or tears but through resistance which committed Israel to withdraw from south Lebanon without a condition or restriction. He added that delaying the conference of the donor countries reduce the value of the Lebanese victory on Israel emphasizing on that such conference is for Lebanon's good and for the donor countries' as well.

On the other hand, Sheik Naeem Kasem - the deputy secretary general of the Lebanese Hezbollah refused the demands of some politicians of disarming the party, assuring the party's readiness to calm discussion.

Previous Stories:
  Delay of international conference to reconstruct south Lebanon   (9/18/2000)
  US, British delegation meet with Lebanese officials   (9/11/2000)
  The donor states conference on Lebanon will be held on two stages   (7/17/2000)

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

Search