Lahoud, Moratinos discussed al-Wazzani issue; UN role is basic
Lebanon-European Union, Politics, 11/8/2002

The Lebanese President Emil Lahoud yesterday received the EU-ME special peace envoy Miguel Moratinos.

Discussions dealt with latest developments of conditions in the region and "the road map" the Quartet committee intends to draw in its next meeting.

Following the meeting, Moratinos said he had discussed with the Lebanese president the issue of al-Wazzani river project, stressing that the basic role should be played by the UN in order to reach a settlement. He expressed the readiness of the European Union to provide political and technical contributions in order to facilitate reaching an agreement.

He also called for the need to have the situation calm so as to proceed with negotiations, adding that the European water expert had drawn personal and technical ideas which are under discussions.

Lahoud stressed to Moratinos his country's commitment to the UN terms of reference in dealing with the water issue in south Lebanon according to the charters and resolutions that the UN is the sole side eligible to divide the shares of joint waters among countries.

A statement issued by the press office of the Lebanese presidency said that President Lahoud explained during his meeting with Moratinos that Lebanon is waiting for the opinion of the UN over the report it had submitted concerning al-Wazzani river issue in order to define its share of the spring's waters.

President Lahoud stressed that any solution for this problem should be based on international law.

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  Solana discusses with Lebanese officials ME developments   (6/1/2002)
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  Lahoud underlines the importance of the European stand   (2/16/2002)

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