On al-Hashem's meeting with al-Assad

Former Lebanese Minister Joseph al-Hashem stressed that he had felt during his meeting with President Bashar al-Assad complete understanding as the President is aware in full knowledge about the Lebanese file and expressed readiness to be fair in all matters relating to Lebanese- Syrian relations.

Al-Hashem quoted President Bashar al-Assad as asserting that pulling out from Lebanon is dealt with in atmospheres of calmness and dialogue and not under pressures.

In a statement to the Kuwaiti daily al-Rai al-Am issued on Tuesday al-Hashem added " I have completely understood what President Bashar al-Assad had proposed in this effect." He continued " I felt that there is no veto on any Lebanese figure on the possibility of visiting Damascus."