Lebanon reiterates rejection of Israeli conditions
Lebanese President Emile Lahoud on Tuesday reiterated the commitment of both Syria and Lebanon to the materialization of a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.
These assertions by the Lebanese president were made upon his meeting on Tuesday with a Lebanese people's delegation. He stressed that the "Israelis will not be able to defeat us, thanks to the united stand between the people, the army and the national resistance on the one hand, and Syria, under the leadership of President al-Assad, on the other hand."
The Lebanese president continued, "Due to this very stand, the Israelis are competing to get out of our land."
He added that Lebanon's national army is a representative of every Lebanese citizen and will offer great sacrifices in defense of the Lebanese people.
Earlier in the day, Lahoud met with UNIFIL's commander, Gen. George Conrotte.
Talks dealt with the situation in south Lebanon in light of the current Israeli military escalation and the obstacles UNIFIL faces in implementing UN resolution 425 of 1978.
The Lebanese president decorated UNIFIL's commander with the Lebanese order of merit, first class, in appreciation for his efforts during his post of office in Lebanon.
Meanwhile, Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss stressed Lebanon's opposition to discussing security arrangements with Israel as a precondition for pulling out Israel's troops from south Lebanon.
In an interview with the London-based al-Hayat daily published on Tuesday, the Lebanese premier said, "It is unwise to discuss arrangements in the meantime, because Israel wants them to be a stipulation for withdrawal. We accept no stipulation whatsoever, as we cling to UN resolution 425, which provides for Israel's unconditional withdrawal."
He indicated that Lebanon's experience in talks connected with security arrangements is reminiscent of the May 17 submission agreement, stressing that talks at this stage are like putting the cart before the horse.
Al-Hoss said, "Lebanon will not sign a peace agreement with Israel unless Syria is ready to do so, and Syria will not do so if Lebanon is not ready," stressing that singling out Lebanon is totally unacceptable.