Lahoud: Israel responsible for success or failure of peace talks

Lebanese President Emile Lahoud on Thursday said that Israel is responsible for the success or failure of the Middle East peace process, adding that the Middle East peace process is a serious and fateful test within the prevailing reasonable conditions.

This was expressed on Thursday during the Lebanese president's meeting with members of the diplomatic corps accredited in lebanon, in the presence of Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss.

The Lebanese president added that Israel shoulders the responsibility of making this test a success or a failure. He continued that Israel is also responsible for meeting its obligations to meeting the peace process requirements, mainly Israel's withdrawal from south Lebanon, the Golan and the western Bekaa, as well as realizing the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

He added that Israel's delay in fulfilling these peace requirements comes within the course of maneuvers to get backing for the peace process, stating that peace is a common and comprehensive responsibility.