Lebanese president visits the Vatican

Lebanese President Emil lahoud will visit the Vatican and Italy on Thursday in a visit during which he will meet with Pope John Paul II and the Italian officials to discuss with them the Middle east question and the peace process in light of the stubborn Israeli stances.

A statement, the press office at the Lebanese presidential palace on Monday said that the Lebanese President will also discuss several issues including Lebanon's relations with the Vatican and Italy, the question of restoring back the Shebaa farms, releasing the Lebanese held in the Israeli jails as well as refusing to settle the Palestinian refugees in Lebanon.