Irish President: Lebanese have the right to liberate lands from Israelis

Ireland's President Mary McAleese, who on Sunday concluded a visit to Lebanon, recognized the Lebanese people's right to liberate their lands from the Israeli occupation through implementing UN resolution 425.

She added that her visit to Lebanon, her first foreign trip since assuming office in November 11, was to show respect for the Irish forces working within UNIFIL in Lebanon, noting that Ireland has kept a continuous presence in Lebanon as some 42,000 Irish soldiers have participated in UN forces since 1958. She said she looked forward to deepening cooperation between the two countries.

For his part Lebanese President Hrawi praised the sacrifices offered by the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL), pointing out that Ireland has lost 38 soldiers since 1978 when UNIFIL peace keeping forces came to Lebanon to implement UN resolution 425, which provides for a total and unconditional Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon.