 Lebanese Premier Fouad Siniora will appeal to the international community today for economic aid and political protection for his country as he presents the Lebanese government's reform plans.
| I wouldn't expect too much, but pray, tell on... |
At a conference convened at the initiative of U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, which will be attended by foreign ministers of France, Britain, Russia, Egypt, Italy and Saudi Arabia as well as representatives from the EU and UN chief Kofi Annan, Siniora is to ask for economic and political aid for Lebanon. Siniora's appeal coincides with Lebanese President Emile Lahoud's speech before the UN's 60th General Assembly today where he is expected to focus on Siniora's reform plan, according to Daily Star sources.
| I thought he already gave his speech? (The story's dated today...) |
Upon his arrival to New York, Siniora phoned Lahoud and discussed the outcome of Lahoud's talks with world leaders and particularly his meeting with Annan on Friday. They also discussed ongoing preparations for the aid conference. Lahoud had described Siniora before a delegation from the American Task Force for Lebanon, as "a real statesman," adding "I have an excellent relationship with him."
| "I, on the other hand, am toast..." |
The sources added Lahoud will also concentrate on the ongoing UN investigation into Hariri's murder, and reaffirm Lebanon's commitment to punish the perpetrators. It will also focus on the peace keeping troops UNIFIL based on the UN demarcated Blue Line, which draws the borders with Israel.
| Another great moment in UN peacekeeping... |
It is believed that Lahoud will clarify Lebanon's stance regarding the recent developments in the country including the arrest of four security generals accused of involvement in Hariri's assassination. The generals ran Lebanon's pro-Syrian security forces when Hariri was killed.
| ... and seemingly are involved in it up to their eyeballs. What's to clarify? |
Lahoud had told the delegation from the American Task Force for Lebanon: "I told Annan that we strongly support the ongoing investigation into Hariri's murder and will severely punish all perpetrators."
| "Severely" involves bullets or rope, right? |
On Resolution 1559, which partly calls for Hizbullah's disarmament, Lahoud said: "Lebanon respects all UN resolutions. As for this one, I told the international community there were some critical articles that require a general consensus."
| That's a fairly subtle way of saying they're better armed, financed, and probably led than is the Leb military whose functions they usurp... |
Siniora also met with UN special envoy to the Middle East Terje Roed-Larsen, French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy and Egyptian Foreign Minster Ahmad Abu al-Gheith, in preparation for the aid conference. Abu al-Gheith denied claims Syria had requested his country be involved in the UN team investigating Premier Rafik Hariri's murder, which Syria was accused of masterminding.
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