UN Chief to convey an Israeli message to Lebanon concerning Israel

Syrian-Lebanese consultations will continue in preparation for the visit of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to Lebanon on March 20, an Orient radio correspondent in Lebanon reported, noting that Lebanese Minister of Interior Michel Murr said a Syrian - Lebanese plenary summit will be convened in Damascus during the coming days.

The correspondent said the summit is expected following intensive contacts and meetings between Lebanese Premier Rafik Hariri and senior Syrian officials, especially with President Hafez al-Assad, with the objective of reaching a crystal clear Syrian-Lebanese position concerning Israeli proposals for its withdrawal from Lebanese territories according to UN resolution 425 under preconditions stipulating Lebanese security arrangements.

This Syrian - Lebanese position, he added, will be conveyed to Annan during his visit to Lebanon, carrying with him an Israeli proposal concerning UN resolution 425, but with conditions involving security arrangements, a matter the Lebanese government has repeatedly refused.

Lebanese official sources said Annan's role in this regard is confined to conveying the Israeli communique.