Differences Between Egypt and Hizbullah Left to Diplomatic Initiatives
Arab League chief Amr Moussa discussed with the country”s three top leaders on Saturday the upcoming parliamentary elections, the crisis between Egypt and Hizbullah and latest developments in Lebanon and the region.
Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa denied news that he is in Beirut to help settle the Egypt-Hizbullah crisis.
"This issue is to be left to ongoing diplomatic initiatives, there is no need to talk about this now," Moussa said.
When asked by reporters whether he has any solution to offer on the current crisis his reply was quick and to the point saying: "I represent the Arab League, if you have any question concerning the Egyptian stance then I urge you to pose your question to the Egyptian ambassador."
Moussa again refused to comment on the Egypt-Hizbullah crisis, but managed a diplomatic response saying: "However, I would like to refer your attention to President Michel Suleiman”s statements to the daily [pan –Arab] al-Hayat when he spoke of quiet and diplomatic efforts that he is undertaking as are others."
Moussa denied news that he would be carrying a Lebanese message to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on the issue.
"I arrived to Beirut this time to participate in celebrating Beirut as “World Book Capital” this is also an opportunity to meet with friends and with Speaker Berri who is a friend, naturally we talk about existing issues be it the [parliamentary] elections, the Lebanese and regional situation," Moussa told reporters.
He wished the Lebanese good elections.
Moussa met with President Michel Suleiman, Speaker Nabih Berri and Premier Fouad Saniora before heading to UNESCO palace to attend a ceremony to announce Beirut "World Book Capital City 2009."
The president, the speaker and the prime minister also attended the ceremony.
Moussa said after meeting Saniora at the Grand Serail that he was following up the elections closely and that the issue of the alleged Hizbullah cell arrested in Egypt was part of his discussions.