British Foreign Office Minister Arrives in Lebanon

British Foreign Office Minister Arrives in Lebanon

British Foreign Office Minister Ivan Lewis arrived in Lebanon Wednesday on a two-day visit following a similar trip to Syria as part of a Middle East tour, the National News Agency reported.

Lewis is scheduled to meet President Michel Suleiman, Speaker Nabih Berri, interim Premier Fouad Saniora and Foreign Minister Fawzi Salloukh. He is also expected to hold talks with Premier-designate Saad Hariri once the latter returns from a private trip.

A statement by the British Embassy in Lebanon said: "Upon his arrival, Minister Lewis visited southern Lebanon and met with local officials in Hasbaya. He then visited UNIFIL”s base in Marjayoun."

Lewis” trip is part of Britain”s "continuous support for the political and democratic process and for the formation of a government of national unity," the statement said.

The British government "urges the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701 and stresses the significant role that Lebanon can play in the Middle East peace process," it added.