Lahoud in Rome and the Vatican
The Lebanese President Emil Lahoud has asserted Lebanon's commitment to the choice of just and comprehensive peace on the ground of land for peace, Israel's withdrawal from all occupied Arab lands and the right of the Palestinians to return back to their homes.
During the meetings he held in Rome on Friday with the Italian President and Pope John Paul II, the Lebanese President noted non-clarity of the Israeli desire to establish peace under its recent proposals which reject the restoration of the occupied Arab lands in the Golan, South Lebanon, its rejection to attain the rights of the Palestinians and the Israeli stubbornness to control the city of Jerusalem.
He added that Lebanon could, thanks to its unwavering stances, play its remarkable role in its Arab surrounding and to enjoy the appreciation of the Arab states, a matter which enhances its position and role in the future.
For his part the Italian President stressed his country's backing to Lebanon in its call for just and comprehensive peace in the region, noting Italy's continued economic and developmental support to Lebanon.
The Italian President added that Italy is planning to enhance its role in the process of dismantling the Israeli mines in South Lebanon and to delegate specialized technical teams for that purpose.
During the meeting between the two presidents, it was decided the authorize the two defense ministers in Italy and Lebanon to sign a military agreement between the two countries as soon as possible.
During his meeting with the Lebanese President, Pope John Paul II said that Lebanon is a typical country and an example to be followed for coexistence among its various sects and communities.
President lahoud expressed thanks for the Pope over his sympathy and support with Lebanon in the regional and international arenas and for the historical visit he held to Lebanon 4 years ago.
President Lahoud also met in the Vatican with Cardinal Vatican's secretary and also with the foreign ministers. Talks in the two meetings dealt with internal and regional conditions.