Lebanese Premier: Lebanon cannot guarantee Israeli security

In press statements he made yesterday Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri dismissed Israel's proposal to withdraw its troops from occupied south Lebanon in return for security guarantees, adding that Lebanon cannot ensure the security of the state of Israel.

The Lebanese premier was replying to recent offers proposed by Israel to attempt to end its involvement in south Lebanon.

"We cannot put a Lebanese soldier beside each Israeli for protection. There is no way Lebanon will sign any document guaranteeing Israeli security because Israel should be responsible for its own security," he said.

Hariri emphasized that Israel must abide by UN Resolution 425 which demands its unconditional and immediate withdrawal from South Lebanon.