Lahoud: no peace without Israeli withdrawal from occupied lands

Lebanon's President Emile Lahoud on Wednesday said "a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East will not be achieved except through implementing international relevant resolutions."

"There will be no peace in the region without realizing the Palestinian people 'right to return' home and the Israeli full withdrawal from the occupied Arab lands," President Lahoud said during a meeting with Chairman of the Politburo at the Palestinian Liberation Organization Farouk al-Qaddomi. He warned against Israeli attempts to instigate disputes and impose a status quo that hinders the achievement of the aspired peace.

Qaddomi, for his part, accused Israel of instigating problems among Palestinians before its withdrawal from Gaza through collaborators or through strict siege on the Palestinian people.

Meanwhile, Lebanon's Grand Mufti Sheikh Mohammad Rashed Kabani underlined commitment to maintain distinguished relations between Lebanon and Syria. Kabani's comments came after a meeting with former Lebanese Premier Najib Miqati.