Suleiman to Mitchell: Resistance will continue as long as "Israel" occupies Lebanese land

 
Source: As-Safir, 13-6-2009

"Resistance will continue as long as "Israel" occupies part of Lebanese land," President Michel Suleiman told US Special Envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell, As-Safir newspaper reported on Saturday.
Suleiman added that Lebanese citizens in the South support the Resistance and that it is not a strange stance.

The daily reported Suleiman saying that Lebanon refused to allow Palestinian resettlement on its land and said that Lebanon has paid the price of the Palestinian cause.
Suleiman told Mitchell that he has called for improving the conditions of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon.

Suleiman assured Mitchell that Lebanon is ready to participate in an international peace conference as long as it is in line with the developments of the Madrid Conference, the Arab Peace Initiative and the commitments that the US has provided Lebanon.

Suleiman also reportedly refused to attend bilateral negotiations, similar to the Oslo negotiations and other conferences, as he said an "Israeli" withdrawal from remaining occupied Lebanese territories should occur unconditionally.

Mitchell announced that he will undertake serious negotiations with Syria and assured Suleiman that a US-Syrian agreement will not come at Lebanon's expense. Suleiman praised the US for its openness toward Damascus, as it plays a significant regional role.

The daily read that Mitchell informed Suleiman that his first visit to Lebanon was intended to determine Lebanon's position on the Middle East peace process. He also stated that he will be undertaking more visits to the region, including to Lebanon, to improve the US' perception of developments.