Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides reassured his Lebanese counterpart, General Emile Lahoud, that with Cyprus' accession to the European Union, Lebanon would have an additional friend in the Union, but added that "the window of opportunity of a solution of the Cyprus problem, which will allow all Cypriots to benefit from accession, is narrowing".
During an address to the state banquet in honor of Lebanese President General Emile Lahoud, who is currently paying a visit to the island, President Clerides said justice must prevail if there is to be peace, adding that both Lebanon and Cyprus have endured for too long the injustices of the illegal use of force and live in an environment of constant threat and insecurity, Cyprus News Agency reported.
Lahoud, for his part, said that what truly binds Lebanon and Cyprus surpasses friendship and cooperation. He referred to the safe haven Cyprus provided to many Lebanese who found refuge away from conflict-laden Lebanon.
He further added that he would always be grateful that the Lebanese were acknowledged to have been an integrated and important part of Cyprus' development and progress. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
