Lebanese president, premier confer with Ghali on Francophonic conference

Lebanese President Emile Lahoud on Tuesday received in Beirut at the Baabda presidential palace the secretary general of the Organization of Francophonic States, Butrous Butrous Ghali.

Talks during the meeting dealt with preparations to host the organization's summit in Lebanon due in October 2001.

The Lebanese president welcomed Ghali. who expressed his amity to Lebanon and demonstrated his backing for Lebanon during its ordeal (during the Qana massacre, in particular).

The Lebanese president said that Lebanon pins great importance on the success of the forthcoming summit to be held in an Arab capital. In a statement following the meeting, Ghali said that more than 50 world leaders will attend the summit, which will discuss the organization's various activities and its future plans.

He also expressed optimism over the conclusion of peace agreement in the region.

The Lebanese president invested Ghali with a Lebanese Order of Merit of the Grand Cordon.

Meanwhile, Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss on Tuesday in Beirut discussed with the secretary general of the Franchophonic organization preparations for the Franchophonic conference due to be held in Lebanon in the year 2001.

This was expressed during the meeting held between al-Hoss and Ghali on Tuesday in Beirut.