Press encounter with Prime Minister of Lebanon, Rafic Hariri, (unofficial transcript)

PM: We had a very fruitful meeting. We have talked about the situation in the Middle East, especially the Palestinian-Israeli question. The Secretary-General believes that United Nations Resolutions have to be implemented, especially the 242 and 338. Lebanon believes, as well, that peace in the region cannot be achieved unless everybody respects the international law and the United Nations resolutions. Se we agree about it. And, but all of us we are worried about the situation in the Palestinian occupied territories. For Lebanon, as everybody knows, Lebanon is respecting the resolutions of the United Nations and we are working very close with the United Nations to assure the stability in the region. So, there is in fact we are in full agreement with the Secretary-General and we are, we used to work together, and we are continuing working together, now and in the future. Thank you.

SG: Thank you very much. I think you've heard from the Prime Minister what we discussed. Since we have very little time, maybe we should take your questions straight away.

Q: Monsieur le Secretaire General, est-ce que vous etes satisfait de la cooperation du gouvernement libanais avec l'ONU?

SG: Absolument. On a eu une tres bonne cooperation. C'etait des annees qu'on travaille ensemble et on va continuer a travailler ensemble. Je suis tres content. Je suis tres satisfait.

Q: (inaudible)

SG: Je suis content, oui.

Q: Quel est le role de l'ONU pour la preparation de Paris II?

SG: Pour le Paris II? Evidemment, j'ai discute avec le premier minister quand il etait a New York. On va travailler ensemble et j'espere que la communaute internationale vont etre tres positive le moment venu.

Q: Secretary-General, I'd like to ask you about your overview of the situation between Lebanon and Israel on the border where the Blue Line is. You were in Syria recently, you've just been speaking with Prime Minister Hariri here. What's your estimation of volatility along the border and the possibility of that being a trigger for some serious conflict again?

SG: No, I would hope that all parties will respect the Blue Line and that would also be my message when I get to Israel. I've already shared this with them. I think the border has been relatively calm and I want to see it that way. I think it is important that we do everything we can to respect the Line and to respect the territorial integrity of Lebanon. When Israel withdrew, the question of respecting territorial integrity of Lebanon meant respecting the terrestrial, marine and air. There have been these air flights, which is a violation of the agreement and I will raise it with the Israeli authorities and hope that will stop. Because we do not need any incidence that will trigger confrontation on the Line. We have enough problems on our hands, with what's going on in the Palestinian territories and we don't want to see a second front opened. So, my advice is that everyone should scrupulously respect the Blue Line and we are going to remain vigilant, monitor it, report to the Security Council and point our finger at the violators. *****