Kim Howells in Lebanon to discuss crises

 

British Foreign Office Minister with responsibility for the Middle East, Dr. Kim Howells, arrived in Lebanon today.

 

Dr. Kim Howells’ unannounced visit coincided with a surprise visit by US assistant secretary of state David Welch.

 

Dr Howells on his third visit to Lebanon met with key figures from both Government and Opposition to discuss Lebanon”s current political crisis. The discussions will allow Dr. Howells to directly assess the impact of the political impasse and stress the importance of reaching a solution through dialogue.

 

Upon arrival Howels met with Parliament majority leader Saad Hariri . He later told reporters that he conveyed to Hariri the support of the International community and urged the election of the new president on this coming Saturday. He later met with Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora. Howells told reporters that he conveyed to Siniora the international community”s concern over the prolonged crisis, insisting that the presidential election should proceed without further delay or foreign intervention, according to National News Agency .

 

From the opposition he met resigned foreign minister Fawzi Salloukh, a member of the Hezbollah group. He is also expected to meet Speker Nabih Berri, a key member of the opposition.

 

The Minister plans to meet those involved in reconstructing the Nahr El Bared Palestinian refugee camp, destroyed by fighting earlier in the summer.

 

Before leaving the UK , Dr. Howells said:

“I am very much looking forward to this, my third visit to Lebanon. The UK government continues to urge all parties to work in the national interest and agree to a solution to the Presidential crisis. A rapid solution will be critical in delivering the stability and security the people of Lebanon so desperately want and deserve”.