British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said on Wednesday that his talks of the day before with Future Movement leader MP Saad Hariri on local and regional issues in Qoreitem were excellent.  Miliband said that the British people cared about Lebanon’s independence and strong democratic system, adding that it was crucial to develop and maintain stability, democracy and sovereignty in the country.

Miliband said that Lebanon’s stability was an indicator of that in the region.  “We appreciate the important steps that were taken and that are still underway to realize stability and strengthen the state in Lebanon,” he told reporters.  It was crucial, he added, that the international community send a strong message prior to the 2009 parliamentary elections. Miliband noted that his country supported Lebanon by coordinating with the United Nations and giving financing to the International Tribunal and investigation into the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri

The British minister said that the work toward the establishment of Lebanese-Syrian diplomatic ties was important and that he hoped it would be accomplished by the end of 2009. He also said that good neighbors must work together and maintain mutual respect. 

His approach over the past three months, Miliband said, toward the peace process in the Middle East included addressing the issue of the Shebaa Farms, on which he said the incoming US administration was also determined to reach a settlement. 
 
“The UK does not monopolize the role in this matter, however, and as member state in the United Nations Security Council it respects UN resolutions, especially 1701, and stresses the need to reach a political solution for the issue,” he said.

MP Hariri thanked Miliband for his country’s support to the International Tribunal, the Paris III conference and to Lebanon’s sovereignty and independence. He said he hoped to improve cooperation with the UK in all fields.

-NOW Staff