LAS Secretary General and British State Minister discuss outcome of London Meeting, Lebanon – LAS Press release/Non-UN document

Secretary General Receives Britain's State Minister for Middle East (9-3-2005) 

Official Spokesman Hossam Zaki of the Arab League Secretary General said during the meeting, the British official reviewed Britain's efforts in pursuing the outcome of London Meeting before proceeding to discuss relevant issues with both parties during the next few days.

Spokesman Zaki also said Secretary General Moussa has expressed to the British Minister his concern over pursuing the subject Meeting's outcome, yet in the meantime due concern should be laid to the Israeli Government's practices as regards the expansion of settlement activity in the west bank and expediting the construction of the Wall with the aim to accentuate a status in violation to the international law and Israel's commitments in terms of the Roadmap. A matter, as Moussa said, that would impede the creation of a viable Palestinian state.

Moussa has also stressed that Britain, being a main player in the peace process, must use its power and influence with the international parties in order to exercise pressure on Israel to stop all these activities which would, if continue, blow away all bids and efforts seeking a fair settlement.

According to Spokesman Zaki, both officials have also discussed the Syrian-Lebanese issue in view of the latest developments and the declaration issued by the high Syrian-Lebanese committee over the Syrian troops' retreat to the boarder line. In this concern, Secretary General Moussa has reiterated that the recent moves have reflected a clear positive orientation by the Syrian leadership to implement the Al-Taif accord and resolution 1559. He further pointed out that working to reach full withdrawal will continue during the next period of time.

As stated by Spokesman Zaki, both officials have exchanged viewpoints over the situation in Iraq. In this context, Secretary General Moussa has stressed the importance of full participation in the peace process underway, including the constitution drafting, by all Iraqi factions taking into consideration to work on conducting a national dialogue that would accommodate all Iraqis to discuss the vital and crucial issues related to the future of Iraq.