Lahoud calls for more effective European role in ME peace
Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 3/16/2001

Lebanese President Emil Lahoud has asserted Lebanon's rejection to the threats recently advocated by several Israeli ministers.

During his meeting on Thursday in Beirut with the EU-ME peace process coordinator Miguel Moratinos, the Lebanese President said that these Israeli threats reflect the perpetuated Israeli intentions against Lebanon because it concentrated on allegations concerning the course of the al-Hasbani river, allegations which UNIFIL strongly denied and regretted the escalation on this matter which only bringing the waters of al-Wazzani river spring to a poor village which is drastically in need of water.

A rights practiced by the state of Lebanon to ensure portable water to its people. A right part of Lebanon's right to practice its sovereignty on its own territories.

The lebanese President informed the EU envoy that lebanon is looking forward to a more active European role and a presence in the region on the ground of its care to attain a just and comprehensive peace and due to the neutral European role in dealing with the file of peace in the Middle East.

Moratinos briefed Lahoud on the contacts made by the European Union EU in the region and showed interest over Lebanon's position in rejecting to settle the Palestinians in its territories. A Lebanese demand which is supported by Europe.

Following the meeting, Moratinos told reporters that the European Union is against the Israeli threats and " we do prefer resorting to dialogue and self- control at all levels. We do believe in peace, dialogue and negotiations and this is the very line we work to proceed forward."

Moratinos also stressed following his meeting with the Lebanese prime minister Rafik al-Hariri that the best way to restore stability to the region is to resume the peace process on the Syrian track. he added that negotiations on all tracks are the best framework to solve problems and we will work in the coming weeks on ways to re-launch the negotiations.

On the other hand, the official of South Lebanon affairs in the Hizbullah party Sheikh nabil Qawouq said that the Lebanese resistance will not accept the continued israeli land, sea and air violations of the Lebanese territories, nor Israel's winning of Lebanese waters.

He added that the tour made by the Israeli war minister Benjamin Bin Aleazer on the Israeli borders will not raise the low profile morale of the feared Israeli soldiers in Shebaa farms.

On the other hand, the Israeli soldiers by their microscopes, intensified their control of members of the Lebanese workshop who carry out the project of pumping part of al-Wazzani river waters to irrigate al-Wazzani village which is close to the spring of the river.

A well-informed Lebanese source said on Thursday that the Israeli control and observations of the Lebanese workshop continue along the working hour and the UNIFIL observe both sides ( Lebanese workers and israeli soldiers). SANA.

Previous Stories:
  Israel and al-Hasbani river   (3/15/2001)
  Israel threatens to prevent the pumping of al-Hasbani waters   (3/14/2001)
  Junblat and Saleh Tarif   (3/10/2001)

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