Lebanese president condemns Israeli occupation in Ghajar

Lebanese President Emile Lahoud has condemned Israel's refusal to withdraw from the Ghajar village in southern Lebanon, saying it is a clear violation of UN resolution 1701, a presidential statement said on Monday.

"Lebanon still holds on to all its occupied territories including the town of Ghajar and the Shebaa Farms. Lebanon will also exert all efforts to set free its Lebanese detainees in Israeli jails. Lebanon also demands Israel to hand over all landmines maps to the UN," said the president in an interview with Kuwaiti daily "Anbaa" which will be published Tuesday.

Despite pulling out from the rest of southern Lebanon on October 1, Israeli troops continue to occupy the Lebanese part of the divided village of Ghajar, which borders the Syrian Golan Heights that Israel has held since 1967.

Lahoud added that Israel failed to accomplish its goals in Lebanon and was not able to wipe out the Lebanese resistance, stir sectarian strife, and occupy Lebanese territory.

He also expressed his hope that national dialogue among various Lebanese parties would lead to the establishment of a cabinet of national unity.

Such a cabinet would lead the country, boost national economy and resolve all pending matters, he added, saying "the present cabinet does not represent all segments of the society, and is unable to rally popular support."

Source: Xinhua