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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release October 19, 1996

STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

"Friends of Lebanon" to Meet in Washington December 16

President Clinton met this afternoon with Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri of Lebanon. They discussed the progress made in Lebanon's reconstruction efforts and Lebanon's efforts to improve security conditions in the country. The President reaffirmed the support of the United States for Lebanon's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The President also pledged to continue to work toward a comprehensive peace in the Middle East, with a Lebanon at peace with its neighbors and free of foreign forces.

To further promote reconstruction efforts in Lebanon, President Clinton will soon issue invitations for governments to attend the "Friends of Lebanon" conference, to take place in Washington on December 16. This high-level meeting will bring together senior figures from governments around the world to focus on the economic reconstruction plans and needs of Lebanon.

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