Al-Hoss interview with a French daily

The French daily "Liberation" issued an interview with the Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss in which he explained the reasons which prevent Lebanon from sending its army to the South. He considered that ensuring security in Lebanon is the responsibility of the interior ministry, backed by the Lebanese army.

In the Interview which was quoted by the Monte Carlo radio on Wednesday al-Hoss said that a joint force including the Lebanese security forces and the army will take their positions in South Lebanon following the deployment of UNIFIL.

Replying to a question on the reasons why the Lebanese government did not dismantle the arms of the Hizbullah party, al-Hoss said the weapons of the Hizbullah party will not be a problem at the meantime, adding that this party will not carry out any act against the mission of keeping peace to be conducted by UNIFIL in South Lebanon.

The Lebanese prime minister said he is not optimist over reaching an agreement in Camp David and renewed Lebanon's rejection to settling the Palestinian refugees in Lebanon.

Al-Hoss considered the ascending of President Bashar al-Assad to the rule in Syria as will not change any thing in Lebanon's relations with Syria, because "these relations are remarkable and are based on joint interests the common destiny."

Concerning banning of certain foreign press including " Liberation, by the security forces in Lebanon. Al-Hoss stressed that he is with the complete freedom of the press and opposes any monitoring on the press.

As for the coming parliamentary elections in Lebanon, al-Hoss said it will be honest and he will work for attaining that.