UN envoy to Lebanon, Arab Leagure, Egyptian officials discuss peace

New York, May 12 : The top United Nations envoy to Lebanon on Tuesday had a meeting with the chief executive of the Arab League during which the two officials discussed the Middle East peace process, including the League's support of the recent start of proximity talks between Israel and the Palestinians.

"We are hopeful that peace negotiations will help steer the region towards peace and stability," said Michael Williams, UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, after meeting with Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa in Cairo.

The first round of the United States-mediated proximity talks have also been welcomed by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and his partners in the diplomatic Quartet - comprising the UN, European Union, Russia and the US.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the group called the talks "a significant step" toward direct, bilateral negotiations and comprehensive peace in the Middle East based on the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian State living side by side in peace and security with Israel and its neighbours.

Williams and Moussa also discussed implementation of Security Council resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hizbollah. The resolution calls for respect for the so-called Blue Line separating the Israeli and Lebanese sides, the disarming of all militias operating in Lebanon and an end to arms smuggling in the area.

"I warmly welcomed the continued support of the [Arab League] Secretary-General and the Arab League for the full implementation of that resolution," Williams said.

He said he had reiterated to Moussa the importance the UN ascribed to the Arab League and the positive role the organization played in the region. "I know we, the United Nations, but also Lebanon, on which I focus, have an important and reliable partner in the Arab League and in its Secretary-General Amr Moussa," Williams added.

Williams also had a meeting with Egypt's Foreign Minister, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, during which he extended his condolences to the Government following last week's killing of two Egyptian soldiers serving the joint UN-African Union peacekeeping mission in the western Sudanese region of Darfur (UNAMID).

Williams and Aboul Gheit also discussed the tensions that arose recently between Israel, Lebanon and other regional parties. They agreed on the need to respect and implement resolution 1701 and all other UN resolutions on the Middle East.

"I welcomed the Foreign Minister's recent visit to Lebanon and I welcome Egypt's efforts to help maintain and enhance peace and stability throughout the Middle East," Williams said.