RIYADH - Lebanese President Emile Lahoud called on Arab leaders yesterday to confront what he described as indirect challenges exerted on Lebanon “by great powers with the aim of serving Israeli interests.”

One of those challenges, he said, was repatriating Palestinian refugees, which is one of the terms that would be included in any future peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians.

Lebanon has sent two separate delegations to the summit. Beirut is represented by both Lahoud and a delegation led by Prime Minister Fouad Siniora.

Lahoud was officially invited as head of state, but after bids to form a single delegation failed, Siniora also received an invitation.

Speaking to reporters on his arrival at the Riyadh airbase, Lahoud said the issue of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon would in time have a negative impact on the social structure of his country.

“The settlement of Palestinian refugees in their host countries does not only affect the Palestinian cause but would have detrimental effects on the components of Lebanese society,” he said.

Lahoud called on Arab leaders to continue their support to his country to establish a strong economy.

The president said his country was no more labeled “a weak nation,” despite brutal wars against it by Israel, thanks to Arab solidarity with his country.

“However, for Lebanon to remain a strong country with a healthy economy, and with dynamic political institutions, support should be provided to it to enable it restore its national policies,” he added.

Lahoud said he was grateful to arrive in the Saudi capital to join his Arab brethren at the 19th Arab summit. He lauded the role played by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to achieve Arab solidarity.

“On this occasion I reiterate Lebanon’s gratitude to the continued political and economic support given to us by our Arab brothers since the July war,” he said.

Lebanon fought a three-week war with Israel last year after Hezbollah captured two Israeli soldiers.

The country has been divided by political turmoil and assassinations, particularly after the murder of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. Saudi Arabia, which has taken an initiative in brokering peace after the war, said Lebanese rival political parties were “more than welcome” to choose the Kingdom as a peace-broker.