Lebanese premier stresses implementation of UN resolution 425

Lebanese Premier and Foreign Minister Salim al-Hoss has asserted Lebanon's commitment to UN resolution 425 and called on Israel to implement this resolution and withdraw unconditionally from the occupied Lebanese lands back to the internationally-recognized borders.

In a statement he issued on Monday, on the occasion of the anniversary of adopting UN resolution 425 on March 14, 1978, the Lebanese premier said the UN Security Council took resolution 425, demanding Israel to immediately and unconditionally withdraw from Lebanon to the internationally-recognized borders.

He stated that Lebanon has been for 22 years insisting that the international community force Israel to implement the resolution. But Israel persisted in refusing the resolution and its implementation, while the international community failed to pressure Israel to implement the resolution.

He continued that today, due to resistance operations and the sacrifices offered, Israel has changed its policy and announced its acceptance of resolution 425. It expressed its intention to withdraw from Lebanon. But this announcement is vague and a source of suspicion.

Al-Hoss added, "We prefer that Israel withdraws according to a comprehensive settlement agreement so as to avoid the dangers of any withdrawal which do not fall in the framework of a settlement agreement."

He asserted that any withdrawal of the Israeli occupation forces from Lebanon is a victory for the resistance and for the steadfastness and unity of the Lebanese people.