Arab FMs meet today in Beirut

Lebanese Premier and Foreign Minister Salim al-Hoss met on Friday in Beirut with Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara.

Talks centered on the agenda of the 113th session of the Arab League council, due to be held today in Beirut.

Both sides confirmed the importance of adopting a unified Arab position that stresses solidarity with Lebanon against repeated Israeli aggressions on Lebanon.

Following the meeting, al-Shara said in statements to Arab and foreign reporters that his meeting with al-Hoss was constructive and fruitful. "We reviewed the importance of convening this Arab meeting in Beirut in support of Lebanon and to express Arab solidarity with Lebanese and the Lebanese national resistance," the Syrian foreign minister said.

He indicated that the Arab meeting is an important message from the Arabs in general to whom it may concern, first and foremost Israel. He added that "this message" indicated that Israel's aggression on Lebanon must stop and any withdrawal from Lebanon is welcomed if it is an implementation of UN Security Council resolution 425 and unconditional.

He added: "This is Syria's position," saying that Syria is upset, confused in that it does not want to see the Israei withdrawal from Lebanon as wrong and a misconception towards Lebanon.

Earlier in the day, al-Shara arrived in Beirut and said in an arrival statement, "We, in Syria, as we have rendered sacrifices in the past for our brothers in Lebanon, will support it not only politically but on all levels."

Meanwhile, Lebanese President Emile Lahoud welcomed the convening of the Arab foreign ministers meeting in Beirut today and tomorrow.

During his reception on Friday of Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid, the Lebanese president stressed that the meeting is a clear continuation of the Arab backing for the Lebanese- Syrian steadfastness in confronting the Israeli attacks.

President Lahoud awarded the AL chief the Order of the Lebanese National Cedar.