Canadian foreign to Beirut, Prime minister next?

Canadian Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy will head to Beirut tomorrow in an official visit within his Middle East tour, which includes Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Gaza and Israel.

The Canadian Minister will meet with Lebanese high officials to discuss the peace process and means to accelerate this process on the Israeli-Lebanese track to soften the situation in the Lebanese south.

Canadian diplomatic sources said that the Canadian Foreign Minister supports the Lebanese request for Israel's withdrawal from its territories and to implement the international resolutions, most importantly the UN Security Council's resolution No.425.

Axworthy stated that his discussions with Lebanese officials will focus on the economic situation and what Canada can do to support the Lebanese reconstruction process, especially in the field of telecommunications. Canada is keen on helping Lebano restor international confidence and its distinct role in the region.

Sources hinted at the fact that the discussions might deal with the expected visit of the Canadian Premier Jean Cretien to Lebanon end of next winter.