Minister Aridi in an open dialogue with university students
Lebanon, Politics, 2/21/2002

Lebanon's Information Minister, Ghazi Aridi, considered today that despite endorsing the Taef Accord and the peaceful situation Lebanon has been living in ever since, the internal scene is still linked in various sides with the incidents in the region. He added that freedom is a positive characteristic of Lebanon that shall not fall, and it is attached to democracy. He referred herein to the need for an open political discussion in the country at all levels, The Lebanese News Agency said yesterday.

Ê Minister Aridi went on to indicate that the Taef Accord is not a solution but an entrance to a solution, i.e. it is a chance for the Lebanese to meet. He added that Lebanon was left alone after the Taef without any aids. Hence, Lebanon was faced with two choices, either fulfilling all conditions without any exception, including not mentioning the refugees' issue or adopting the decision of resistance.

Ê Aridi continued to say that the Syrians in Lebanon are making mistakes, yes, but that they are not a philanthropic association. Instead, Aridi continued, they are a state and a regime and it is their right to defend their interests, just like it is the right of others to do the same. Aridi indicated in this context that we are not with an immediate Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon amidst the military threats to Lebanon and Syria.

Ê Minsiter Aridi's words came in an open dialogue with students from the St. Joseph University - Faculty of Social Sciences, which covered all local, regional and international developments, the report said.

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