Prime Minster Fouad Siniora came back to Beirut yesterday after an official visit to Egypt where he met with Egyptian officials including President Husni Mubarak.

The discussions between Lebanese and Egyptian officials resulted in the signature of an agreement under the terms of which Egypt will provide Lebanon with gas and electric energy.

“The meeting with President Mubarak was excellent,” PM Siniora told reporters in a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart Ahmed Nazif.

Mubarak reiterated Egypt’s support and cooperation with Lebanon and noted positive developments occurring in the country.

“National dialogue will be held in Lebanon as soon as possible,” Siniora said. “It will deal with the issue of the defensive strategy.”

According to PM Siniora, any agreement over the defensive strategy will be based in the respect of the authority of the state.

“The Arab League will participate in this dialogue.” he noted.

On the other hand, PM Siniora met with Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa and discussed with him the situation in Lebanon.

Moussa noted the existence of positive developments “whether on the internal level or in the relation between Lebanon and Syria.”

Moussa denounced security incidents occurring in Lebanon. “Such incidents are unacceptable.”

“The regional situation is also unstable,” he added.  “However, the progress in Lebanon is part of the efforts aimed at establishing stability in the region.”

-NOW Staff