Amnesty International to open an office in Beirut

The Lebanese authorities have given the go-ahead for a regional office of Amnesty International in Beirut, the human rights organization said in London Monday.

In a press release, AI said that it was delighted by the support it had received for the proposal from the highest authorities in Lebanon.

The statement came as an AI delegation headed by Middle East program director June Ray concluded a one-week visit to Lebanon for talks with Lebanese leaders.

All Lebanese officials expressed support for the office proposal and gave assurances that the government would speed up arrangements for the office preparations to get underway, it added.

The office, planned for 2000, will focus initially on programs for human rights education and awareness and provide training in various fields.

AI delegates also discussed the cases of the Lebanese detainees held in Khiam by the so-called South Lebanon Army militia and Israel in occupied south Lebanon and hostages held in Israel, the group said.