Powell's statements on Syria and Lebanon
Regional-USA, Politics, 4/17/2002

The US secretary of state Collin Powell has stated he had felt during his two visits to Syria and Lebanon the determination of the two countries to avoid escalation on the Lebanese- israeli borders despite the strong criticism addressed by both Beirut and Damascus to Israel.

News reports quoted Powell as saying:" I have explained to the governments of the two countries the dangers that might result from continued opening fire operations through the blue line, noting to the borders drawn by the UN between Lebanon and Israel following the Israeli withdrawal from South Lebanon in 2000."

Powell added in statements to the press on the plane which took him to Israel "I can tell you that the governments of the two countries realize the risk of these operation and admitted that they can lead to opening a new front not wanted by any of the two sides."

He stressed that the Syrian and Lebanese governments "stressed they will do their best to prevent any activity of the sort."

Powell said he had proposed to the Lebanese President Emil Lahoud and to the Lebanese prime minister Rafiq al- Hariri that the Lebanese army strengthen its presence in south Lebanon, noting that the Lebanese authorities arrested large number of "extremists" from that area.

Powell continued that the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad stressed to him he will talk about this matter with the leaders of the Hizbullah party.

Powell explained "I do not expect them ( al-Assad, Lahoud) to work against the Hizbullah party, rather containing it and to do their best to prevent it from opening fire at the Israeli forces in the sector of the under conflict Shebaa farm."

Powell explained that the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad spent most of the meeting with him ( Powell), which lasted for 90 minutes in holding Israel responsible for the current crisis.

Previous Stories:
  After meeting Powell, Lahoud holds Israel responsible for deteriorations   (4/16/2002)
  Al-Assad receives Powell, calls on the US for a clear peace vision   (4/16/2002)
  On Powell's visit to Syria, Lebanon   (4/16/2002)
  Demonstrations to receive Powell in Beirut and then in Damascus; Lahoud rejects security guarantees   (4/15/2002)
  Powell in Damascus   (4/15/2002)
  Powell's mission, Syria and Lebanon   (4/9/2002)

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