adsfasd
 
   
 
International Affairs
SPEECH BY SHRI K.R.NARAYANAN, PRESIDENT OF INDIA, WHILE ACCEPTING THE CREDENTIALS FROM DR. JEAN G. DANIEL, AMBASSADOR-DESIGNATE OF THE REPUBLIC OF LEBANON TO INDIA

NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 23, 1999

Excellency,

It gives me great pleasure to accept your Credentials as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Lebanon to India. I warmly welcome you to India and extend my sincere congratulations on your appointment to this position of high status and responsibility. Thank you for conveying the good wishes of President Emile Lahoud, which I most sincerely reciprocate.

Indo-Arab relations go back several millennia. These have been fashioned in history in the larger context of the meeting between two great, ancient civilisations. The relations have encompassed almost every aspect of human life - cultural, social, religious, political as well as commercial. India's strong defence of Arab rights, and support for Arab and Palestinian causes, owe much to our mutual historical understanding and friendship.

Excellency, we admire the courage and fortitude with which people of Lebanon have faced years of civil strife and unrest. Restoration of peace and return of normalcy in Lebanon after long years of turmoil is a tribute to the sagacity of Lebanon's leadership.

India has also been watching with interest your endeavours for national reconstruction and rehabilitation. Lebanon's march to prosperity and high economic growth in recent years reflects its people's determination and commitment. The Government and people of India are ready to make any feasible contribution to this process.

There are many similarities between our two countries. Both India and Lebanon are multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural societies, which generate a feeling of natural empathy between us. India considers Lebanon an important country in the West Asian region and we value our multi-faceted relations with you.

India stands for Lebanon's sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity. We have always called for the unconditional and full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution No.425 at the earliest, and the extension of the authority of the State of Lebanon over its entire territory.

Excellency, the Non-aligned Movement retains its relevance in the post-cold war world. Our two countries must work together to give to the Movement a new impetus and maintain its solidarity in order to vouchsafe the world's multi-polarity.

Excellency, I have noted the statement by your Prime Minister and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Salim EL-HOSS that India and Pakistan resolve their differences over Kashmir through peaceful bilateral discussions. India is committed to the same approach viz., that of addressing all outstanding issues with Pakistan through bilateral dialogue in the spirit of the Shimla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration. Friendly and cooperative relationship with neighbours has always remained an integral part of our national policy.

Excellency, I would like to assure you that in your capacity as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Lebanon, you will receive full cooperation and support of the Government of India on all issues pertaining to our bilateral ties. I wish you an enjoyable and productive stay in India and every success in your endeavours to further promote India-Lebanon friendship. I would also like to take this opportunity to convey my best wishes to the leadership of the Republic of Lebanon and for the prosperity and well being of its friendly people.

Thank you

Jai Hind
^Top