Lebanese president reiterates implementation of Resolution 1701

Lebanese President Michel Suleiman on Monday reiterated to Spanish King Juan Carlos his country's commitment to the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 as well as Lebanon's full support for UN Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

Suleiman said in an official dinner held in honor of Spanish monarch that Lebanese-Spanish relations are developing, and Lebanon is grateful for the participation of the Spanish contingent in UNIFIL following the 2006 war between Israel and Lebanese Shiite armed group Hezbollah.

"Israel is violating Resolution 1701," Suleiman said, adding " Lebanon and UNIFIL are facing dangerous Israeli threats." He also said that the international community should make efforts to engage Israel to implement Resolution 1701.

The Resolution 1701 ended the 2006 war, and reinforced UNIFIL to conduct peacekeeping mission in south Lebanon.

Israel has recently warned that Lebanese government would be solely responsible for any attack from Lebanon to Israel, and Lebanon's infrastructure will be targeted by Israeli retaliation.

King Carlos played a primary role for reforms in Spain, Suleiman said, adding that his country is looking forward to developing ties with Spain, especially following Lebanon's election as a non-permanent member in the UN Security Council for the term of 2010-2011.

Juan Carlos arrived in Beirut Monday evening for a two-day visit. He will inspect UNIFIL's Spanish contingent in south Lebanon on Tuesday.

Source: Xinhua