Jerusalem, 19 March 1998
PM NETANYAHU-GENERAL LAHAD MEETING
(Communicated by Prime Minister's Media Adviser)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met this afternoon (Thursday), 19.3.98,
with South Lebanese Army (SLA) commander General Antoine Lahad. Uri
Lubrani, the government's coordinator of activities in Lebanon, also
participated.
The Prime Minister briefed General Lahad on the results of the recent
political activity for promoting Israel's initiative for implementing UN
Security Council Resolution 425.
General Lahad stressed to the Prime Minister that the resolution has his
support, as well as that of the residents of the security zone, since its
implementation is a Lebanese national interest.
Prime Minister Netanyahu told the general that the Israeli government's
policy calls for the continued deployment of the IDF in the security zone
until a suitable security alternative can be found that will ensure the
security of the population on both sides of the border. The Prime Minister
believes that such an alternative is to be found in Resolution 425, since
the Lebanese government currently has the wherewithal to implement it.
The Prime Minsiter emphasized that Israel, in any future negotiations
between it and Lebanon, and as an integral part of implementing Resolution
425, is committed to insisting on ensuring the security and welfare of the
residents of the security zone and of SLA soldiers.