Date: 19 Jun 2000
Time: 07:50:50
Remote Name: 156.29.145.175
Tehran, June 18, IRNA -- President Mohammad Khatami said in Tehran on Sunday that the Zionist regime for the first time complied with UN resolutions and withdrew from Lebanese territory.
In a meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, President Khatami appreciated the endeavors made by the UN to drive the Zionist regime out of south Lebanon.
The President said of course the Islamic Resistance Movement and the Lebanese people strongly resisted 20 years of occupation of the Zionist regime, adding, "Our duty is to stand by those who defend themselves against oppression and put an end to the aggression."
He said the United Nations should continue its efforts until complete withdrawal of the Zionist regime from Lebanese territory and hoped that what has taken place would be the beginning of stability in southern Lebanon.
The chairman of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) said the Zionist regime should release Lebanese political prisoners and that the reconstruction of southern Lebanon should pave the way for a return to normal life in the war-torn area.
Khatami called on regional states to contribute to peace and security in the region and said a practical action should be taken to repatriate Palestinian refugees.
He hoped that other occupied territories would be liberated soon.
President Khatami said the Islamic resistance movement of Lebanon is the key to success of the Muslim and Arab nations.
Khatami referred to the OIC peace initiatives in Afghanistan and called for UN-OIC cooperation to help establish a lasting peace in Afghanistan. He appreciated Annan's personal initiatives in this respect.
He said he is pleased that the UN has established its special representative office in Tehran.
Khatami said illicit drug has become a great human dilemma and despite the cooperation between the UN and Iran, Iran has incurred material losses and casualties in its campaign against trafficking of drugs destined for Western states.
President Khatami said the developed countries should undertake a greater part in fighting drug smuggling.
The Secretary-General thanked Iran and the person of the President for supporting the United Nations.
He expressed pleasure with withdrawal of the Israeli troops from southern Lebanon and said Israel could not embark on aggression after the border demarcation is complete.
Annan said the UN will monitor any violation that Israel may commit and will report to the Security Council.
He said the United Nations has increased its troops in southern Lebanon adding that the international community will work to free the Lebanese prisoners from Israeli prisons.
Annan said the UN Development Program (UNDP) will hold a conference in Beirut on reconstruction of southern Lebanon.
He thanked Iran's assistance to the international campaign against drug trafficking and said the UN will undertake effective role in this respect.
The Secretary-General appreciated Iran's humanitarian assistance to host several million foreign refugees.
He said the United Nations will work to find a peaceful solution to Afghanistan crisis and will cooperate with the OIC and the Group of Six Plus Two in this regard.