Lebanese President Emil Lahoud expressed hope that the Amman summit would be a summit for Arab solidarity which has become an urgent need, affirming that when the Arab stand is solid and unified, Israel will have a limited “margin for maneuver” which will in turn allow for the success of the initiatives that call for reviving peace negotiations on all tracks.
In an interview with Jordan News Agency (Petra), President Lahoud called for adopting a new approach in constant consultation among Arab leaders, expressing hope that the Amman summit would serve as a right start for a new type of understanding, which is needed at this stage.
President Lahoud expressed concern that the Israeli elections which resulted in Ariel Sharon's victory reflected the Israeli “desire not to go forward in the peace process,” adding that the facts on ground should prompt Sharon to re-read the events in the region.
Despite the Israeli withdrwal from the occupied zone in south Lebanon last May, the Arab country demands the diputed Shabaa farms, still under occupation. Therefore Beirut considers itself in a state of war with Israel – Albawaba.com
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