Boueiz to Albright: we will meet, but only in Lebanon
Lebanon, Politics, 9/10/1997

American Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, whose visit has been expected in the Middle East for a long time, has finally reached Israel, arriving in Tal-Aviv this morning before she moved on to Jerusalem.

Albright's visit to the region is the first since she started her job last January, and she told reporters on her way to Israel that the object of her visit is to "remind Israelis and Palestinians to take their responsibilities in charge, according to the Oslo agreement, and to carry a message from American President Clinton, which is to fight terrorism and those who spread it in the region."

Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri who is currently in Paris said that he hopes that peace will be established in the Middle East within three months, on the condition that Israel leaves Lebanese territories. Hariri added that he is ready to come back to Lebanon in case Albright stops in Lebanon during her trip.

Lebanese Foreign Affairs Minister Fares Boueiz who is still in Brazil with President Hrawi said that he hopes this visit is not a simple discovery visit like many others associated with the peace process, because an effective solution and dynamic efforts are urgent to stabilize the situation.

Boueiz also declared that he would not meet American Secretary of State anywhere other than Lebanon, and that there was no reason for her not to visit Lebanon, so he would not meet her in New York. He also said he did not advise any Lebanese leader to meet with Albright in New York unless they want to encourage her not to come to Lebanon.

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