Lebanese Premier: Lebanon commits to unconditional implementation of 425

Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri has asserted Lebanon's unconditional adherence to the implementation of UN resolution 425.

In a cable he sent to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on the occasion of the funding anniversary of the UN, the Lebanese premier highly appreciated the role played by the UN in keeping peace in south Lebanon.

Hariri stressed that Lebanon adheres to the presence of UNIFIL in southern Lebanon and refused any attempt to minimiz its role or the number of its soldiers. He praised the efforts made by the UN chief to settle disputes by means of negotiations rather than violence and the use of force.

Meanwhile, the US ambassador in Lebanon, David Satterfield, has asserted that the Clinton administration is ready to work with Lebanese President-elect Emile Lahoud so as to achieve reciprocal desires of the two countries. In a statement to reporters following his meeting on Thursday with Lebanese Expatriates Minister Talal Arsalan, Satterfield said that the US is determined to help Lebanon in all areas, especially in the industrial field.

He added that his country has industrial projects that will be introduced to Lebanon.