Blague du jour...

Clinton to Saniora: Lebanon Will Not Be on Any Negotiation Table


U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reportedly told Prime Minister Fouad Saniora on the sidelines of the Egypt-hosted international conference on rebuilding Gaza in Sharm el-Sheik that Lebanon "will not be on any negotiation table."The meeting with Clinton was one of several held by Saniora on Monday on the sidelines of the donors' conference.

The daily An Nahar on Tuesday said the importance of Saniora's talks in Egypt's Red Sea resort was that the Lebanese delegation used the opportunity to "shift focus back to Lebanon."The delegation has reportedly stressed Lebanon's need for Arab and international support, not only on a financial level, but also on diplomatic and political levels.

An Nahar quoted sources in the delegation as saying that Saniora reiterated to Clinton the importance of Lebanon's parliamentary elections.Clinton, for her part, renewed U.S. commitment to Lebanon.

"Be assured that Lebanon will not be on any (negotiation) table, not on a small table or a big table," Clinton reportedly told Saniora and his accompanying delegation.She reiterated her country's support for Lebanon's independence and stability.

Beirut, 03 Mar 09, 11:09
NAHARNET