Lebanese President Emile Lahoud said on Tuesday that Syria provided vital assistance to Lebanon, and defended its neighbor's controversial military presence as pivotal as long as parts of south Lebanon remained occupied.
Lahoud made the statement during an interview with the Moroccan News Agency on the eve of a two-day visit to Morocco, which starts Wednesday, reported the Daily Star newspaper.
Lahoud praised Syria's role in ending the Lebanese civil war and in laying the foundations for the new Lebanese state based on the Taif Accord.
"But Syria's most significant contribution to Lebanon was its help in liberating the south," he said, quoted by the paper.
He added that "just like Syria has always stood by Lebanon, it will continue to do so until the south is fully liberated and a comprehensive regional peace is achieved."
Lahoud stressed that "with Syria's support, such a comprehensive peace would restore stability to the Middle East area and end the Arab-Israeli struggle."
Lahoud pledged that "Lebanese-Syrian cooperation will continue until the Golan Heights are liberated, just like the Lebanese south was, and until Israel withdraws to the June 4, 1967, lines."
Lahoud predicted that "there will be no stability in the region until the Shabaa Farms are returned to Lebanese sovereignty. There is no compromise on this issue."
Lahoud’s visit to Morocco aims at enhancing bilateral ties between the two countries in various fields, as well as discussing the latest developments in the Middle East – Albawaba.com
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