Lebanese foreign ministry deplores Straw's statements

Lebanese Foreign Ministry yesterday asked the Lebanese embassy in London to clarify that the appointment of the Prime Minister Omar Karami was the result of consultations between President Emile Lahoud and members of the parliament in accordance with the constitution.

In reply to Straw's comment on reappointment of Karmi to form the government, the Foreign Ministry said that "President Emile Lahoud is not the person who appoints the Premier."