| EU's Solana hails
Lebanese election success BRUSSELS, May 30
(AFP) - EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana on Monday welcomed the first round of
parliamentary elections in Lebanon as an "important step" and a success.
He "also expressed his hopefulness for the remaining rounds of elections to be held
in the same positive and constructive atmosphere," said his spokeswoman Cristina
Gallach.
The election Sunday was the first in three decades held free of the grip of neighbouring
Syria.
Solana "congratulates the Lebanese people for the successful conduct of the first
round of the parliamentary elections held yesterday," Gallach said.
"The elections represent an important step for the Lebanese people towards full
democracy and sovereignty."
Earlier in the day European Union observers hailed the "open and transparent"
conduct of the vote.
Another three rounds will be held in other parts of Lebanon over the next three Sundays. |
Copyright 2005 AFP. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast,
rewritten or redistributed.
