Lebanon welcomes French attitude towards refugee issue

Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss has welcomed the statements made by French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine on the impossibility of reaching peace without settling the question of the Palestinian refugees.

In press statements he made in Beirut, the Lebanese premier added, "We welcome the French stand, and we thank France for it interests in Lebanon, its opposition to any solution that comes at the expense of Lebanon , and its readiness to help resuming Middle East peace negotiations."

Al-Hoss stressed that the solution which is acceptable concerning the question of the Palestinian refugees in Lebanon and other states is their return to their country.

Al-Hoss continued, "We agreed with Vedrine that if this issue (of the Palestinian refugees) will not be solved it will keep it a time bomb against any peace approach."