Spanish prime minister meets with Lebanese president, senior officials

Lebanese President Emile Lahoud met on Wednesday in Beirut with Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar and members of his accompanying delegation. Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss also attended the meeting.

Bilateral relations between the two countries, the situation in the region and the role played by Spain and the European group in the Middle East peace process were reviewed.

Meanwhile, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri discussed with Aznar during their meeting later in the day bilateral relations between Lebanon and Spain, as well as the situation in the region.

Berri stressed the importance of Israel's withdrawal from the occupied Lebanese territories and implementation of UN resolution 425. He asserted the importance of achieving a just and comprehensive peace in the region according to the Madrid conference terms of reference.

During his meeting with Aznar, Berri gave full explanations of recent developments and the situation in south Lebanon and its western Bekaa.

He indicated that Spain has always worked for backing the Lebanese people and UN Security Council resolution 425 and is now helping in rebuilding Lebanon and strengthening its peace.

Spanish loans provided to Lebanon were also discussed.