Lebanon announced its commitment to UN Security Council Resolution 1373 on Thursday two weeks prior to the world body’s designated deadline and only hours before the arrival of US Assistant Secretary of State for Near East Affairs William Burns.
Burns arrived Thursday evening from Syria and held talks with Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. The Lebanese Daily Star reports that following a 45-minute meeting with Hariri, Finance Minister Fuad Siniora and Foreign Minister Mahmoud Hammoud, Burns welcomed Lebanon’s cooperation in the fight against terrorism, and reiterated US President George W. Bush’s commitment to a lasting regional peace based on international resolutions.
“The US is determined to play its part” in the search for peace through negotiations, not violence, the diplomat said. As for the campaign against terrorism, Burns expressed US appreciation for Lebanon’s help in matters connected to the Al-Qaeda network, while expressing the “concerns that the US has about Hizbullah.” Burns will meet President Emile Lahoud and Speaker Nabih Berri on Monday. (Albawaba.com)
