Secretary-General welcomes beginning of national dialogue in lebanon

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General welcomes the national dialogue that began today in Lebanon and hopes that it will contribute to political stability in the country by addressing critical issues of national concern.

The Secretary-General congratulates the Speaker of Parliament for this crucial and timely initiative and wishes it every success.

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For information media • not an official record