Lebanese president makes a distinction between Patriarch Sfeir and those who make unrest
Lebanon, Politics, 3/30/2001

In the meeting of the Lebanese cabinet on Thursday, the Lebanese President Emil Lahoud explained the position of the Lebanese government towards recent moves in Lebanon and the considerations the state of Lebanon embarked on in dealing with these moves.

He in this regard made a distinction between the position of the Maronite Patriarch Sfeir and the positions of those who hide behind him to launch their ever repeated slogans. President Lahoud added whatsoever the state has achieved those ( who hide behind the patriarch) will not give up their opposition and their attempt to provoke unrest, noting that those, by the ultimate end will not meet with the position of Patriarch Sfeir.

As for calls demanding dialogue, the Lebanese president said " my door is open for all. And I do receive all, talks to them about every thing." He stressed that relations with Syria is necessary and strategic and it seems today to be more important. President Lahoud noted the position of the Arab states at the Amman's summit in voicing support to Lebanon to its right to complete the march of liberating its lands and restoring back its prisoners from the Israeli jails, dismantling the Israeli mines and practicing its right to have sovereignty on its territories, waters and airspace against any israeli threats and violations.

President Lahoud also stressed the need of ministerial solidarity and "the need for the ministers to have political moves," noting in this respect there is nothing to prevent an opposition political activity, but it is not acceptable to violate security. He added that it is the right of the state to take the security measures it finds necessary to prevent the involvement of elements seeking to provoke unrest.

The Lebanese President also expected Arab economic contributions to back the Lebanese steadfastness in confrontation of the Israeli aggression.

On the other hand, Patriarch Sfeir on Thursday continued to receive those who visited him for a safe and happy return back from the USA.

Today ( Friday) Sfeir will meet with former President Fuad Butrous and will be acquainted with events of his recent meeting with the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Previous Stories:
  Israeli planes violated the Lebanese airspace   (3/29/2001)
  The second Arab summit is in Beirut   (3/28/2001)
  Al-Hariri and the file of the Syrian- Lebanese relations   (3/28/2001)

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