BEIRUT, Jan 5 (KUNA) -- Lebanese President Michel Suleiman on Monday stressed the need for Arab solidarity to end the tragic situation in the Gaza Strip.
This came in a statement issued by the Information Office of the Presidency after Suleiman's meeting with Dean of the Lebanese Editors Syndicate Melhem Karam, who conveyed to him the invitation of Arab Journalists Union to patronage their upcoming conference in Beirut. The president accepted the invitation.
Suleiman renewed emphasis in the statement that he is betting on the Arab solidarity to end the tragic situation in Gaza, saying "nothing new in terms of the convening of an emergency Arab summit to discuss the Gaza developments." He expressed concern that the missiles installed in Tir Harfa in southern Lebanon 10 days ago might be an Israeli action to implicate Lebanon, adding that the investigation did not reach a conclusion.
He stressed the importance that the Lebanese unify their ranks to defend Lebanon and continue to be able to overcome the financial crisis, adding that the Lebanese are strong enough to boost their country's economy.
Later, Prime Minister Fuad Al-Siniora renewed in a statement commitment of Lebanon to the Arab peace initiative that "could secure establishment of the Palestinian state and reclamation of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people." The prime minister said a prospected resolution by the Security Council concerning the occupied territories should affirm integration of Gaza and the West Bank.
He called for further Arab and international efforts to cease the fighting, open the checkpoints around Gaza and secure withdrawal of the Israeli forces. (end) an.rk