Gemayel discloses meeting with Saddam two weeks ago

Former Lebanese President Ameen Gemayel yesterday disclosed he had met for long with the Iraqi President Saddam Hussein 15 days ago in Baghdad and discussed with him the current crisis.

Gemayel who is close to the Americans denied in French press statements that he had conveyed a proposal from the US secretary of state Donald Ramsfeld for the resignation of the Iraqi President in order to solve the crisis.

In statements to " Europe 1 " Radio, Gemayel added he had met with Saddam and made lengthy talks with him, noting that he then left Baghdad to meet with some friends in France, The Vatican and the USA.

Al-Gemayel also told " Journal De Dimanche" he had responded to the invitation of the Iraqi president and discussed with him points of differences relating to the crisis in order to get out ideas, noting that Saddam showed readiness to find a settlement on the ground of UN resolution no. 1441.

Al-Gemayel added to the paper: " the Iraqi President knows my relation with the Americans."

Worthy mentioning that al-Gemayel assumed the Lebanese presidency from 1982 through 1988. N.