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Egypt
Wednesday, November 22, 2000
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| ARCHIVE |
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P.M. Hariri returned to Lebanon on the eve of Independence Day, November 22, 2000 to participate in the official ceremony. He pursued his Arab tour and headed on 25 November to Cairo.
The Economy was the main issue of the visit. Minister of Economy, Bassel Fleihan, accompanied P.M. Hariri who met with President Mubarak, Egyptian P.M., Atef Obeid and Minister of Economy, Yusuf Butros Ghali. President Mubarak ordered that necessary measures be taken to remove all bureaucratic impediments hindering exchange between Lebanon and Egypt.
P.M. Hariri pointed out that economic and trade exchange barely 100 m $, an incompatible and meager exchange when compared with firm political relations linking Cairo and Beirut.
P.M. Hariri discussed with President Mubarak the major political issues in the region; they both agreed that Israeli actions are obstructing the peace process.
During this meeting, P.M. Hariri spoke of the Syrian presence; he denied any divergence in views between him and Speaker Berri and added: “when we no longer need the Syrian assistance, we will kindly discuss the matter. I don’t think that the Syrians would stay in Lebanon once the country is capable of establishing down stability and security over its entire territory”.
Commenting on the army deployment in South Lebanon, P.M. Hariri refused the idea of Lebanon assuming the responsibility of ensuring Israel‘s security on the border. He added: “Israel’s demand to intensify the presence of the Lebanese army in the South is unreal”.
Egyptian media paid particular attention to PM Hariri visit. Al-Ahram Al-Arabi said Mr. Hariri discussed with Egyptian officials Egypt’s role in repairing Lebanese power plans destroyed by Israel before liberation. The construction of an Egyptian gasoline to Europe through Lebanon, Syria and Turkey were also discussed.
President Hariri said that a comprehensive peace process in the region would not be obtained unless a solution to the Palestinian refugees is reached. He rejected the theory saying construction could only be achieved on the basis of peace. “Hizbollah is an integral part of the political life in Lebanon”, he added.
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