Lebanon President hopes for situation in Syria to stabilize

PanARMENIAN.Net - Lebanon President expressed hope for the situation in Syria to stabilize without foreign intervention.

As Michel Sleiman stated during an official reception in Yerevan, peace at Middle East can be established through joint efforts of Arab states.

Dwelling on strained Lebanon-Israel relations the President said that Beirut will continue efforts to achieve Israel’s implementation of UN Security Council’s resolution 1701 in order to ease current tensions.

Mr. Sleiman further briefed those present on Lebanon’s domestic policy, focusing on plans to launch oil and gas production in the country.

United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 is a resolution that was intended to resolve the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict. It was unanimously approved by the United Nations Security Council on August 11, 2006.

The Lebanese cabinet, which includes two members of Hezbollah, unanimously approved the resolution on August 12, 2006. On the same day, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said that his militia would honor the call for a ceasefire. He also said that once the Israeli offensive stops, Hezbollah's rocket attacks on Israel would stop. On August 13, the Israeli Cabinet voted 24-0 in favor of the resolution, with one abstention. The ceasefire began on August 14, 2006 after increased attacks by both sides. However, the tension between the countries still persists.