Lebanese president welcomes any Arab initiative

Lebanese President Emile Lahoud supported Monday any Arab initiative that aims at getting Lebanon out of the current crisis and returning the Syrian-Lebanese relations back to their normal status.

President Lahoud stressed during a meeting with Lebanese ex-Minister Wadee al-Khazen the necessity of enhancing ties between Syria and Lebanon saying "the track of the Syrian-Lebanese relations should be protected from any thing else."

The Lebanese President called upon all Lebanese forces and sections to cooperate with the Arab initiative and put an end to skepticism about its motives or goals. The initiative is seen by some opposition as a way for Syria to return its domination of Lebanon. Currently, Egypt and Saudi Arabia are said to be active trying to mediate between Syria and Lebanon, with an Egyptian envoy traveling to both countries.

Lahoud pointed out to the importance of continuing the UN investigation into the crime that claimed the life of Lebanese ex-Premier Rafiq al-Hariri by a legal way until revealing the whole truth about it.

Lahoud called upon all Lebanese to assume their responsibilities regarding their country, and be committed to their national firm principle particularly protecting the Lebanese national unity and resistance.