UN chief: talks with Lebanese FM fruitful
Lebanon, Politics, 3/21/1998

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan yesterday described his talks with Lebanese foreign minister Fares Boueiz as fruitful.

In a joint press conference with the Lebanese minister at the conclusion of their talks, Annan said he is visiting Lebanon to listen and discuss with the governments of countries he visits to support efforts by the US as a peace process cosponsor and to give the Middle East peace process a push forward.

"I have reviewed with Minister Boueiz the extent of progress attained on the region's peace process and the possibility of boosting it in the future," he said. He added that talks dealt with possibility of implementing UN resolution 425.

Boueiz described Annan's visit to Lebanon as important, and said that going back on what have been achieved in the peace process is Israel's main tactic. He said his talks with Annan dealt with the situation of the Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, and the conditions of Lebanese detainees in Israeli jails, following the decision of the approved by the Supreme Court in Israel in this respect.

Upon arriving at Beirut International Airport earlier in the day, Annan read banners hoisted by mothers of the Lebanese detainees held in the Israeli jails, demanding that a UN investigation committee look into the situation of the detainees who become hostages in the Israeli jails. Talking to the mothers, he said: "We know well what the loss of a son, a brother or a father in jails means. Therefore, we assure you we will exert all efforts to enable the International Red Cross to get into the Israeli jails as the world celebrates the 50th anniversary of the international human rights declaration."

Annan said he will visit south Lebanon to express support for the work carried out by UNIFIL there.

Annan also opened the economic and social sector for East Asia ESCWA in downtown Beirut.

Previous Stories:
  Annan, Meguid discuss Israel-Lebanon and regional problems   (3/20/1998)
  Lebanese-Syrian summit in Damascus   (3/14/1998)
  Lebanon: Nasrallah's statements stir debate in Israel   (3/10/1998)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search