NNA - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Youssef Rajji, on Wednesday received US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Middle East Affairs, Natasha Franceschi, accompanied by US Ambassador to Lebanon, Lisa Johnson.

The meeting reviewed the political and security developments in Lebanon, in addition to the latest developments on the Syrian scene.

Minister Rajji stressed "the necessity of Israel's complete withdrawal from the Lebanese territories it occupies and the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701." He thanked the United States for its mediation to secure the release of Lebanese prisoners held by Israel, and for its assistance to the Lebanese army.

Rajji also emphasized the Lebanese government's determination to implement the necessary economic, financial and administrative reforms.

Separately, Minister Rajji met in his office with the Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development of the Federal Republic of Germany, Niels Annen, and the accompanying delegation, in the presence of German Ambassador to Lebanon, Kurt Georg Stoeckl-Stillfried.

The general situation in Lebanon and the region, in addition to bilateral relations between the two countries, were discussed.

Rajji stressed that "the immediate and unconditional Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon and the implementation of UN Resolution 1701 are an urgent necessity and a fundamental factor for achieving stability," calling for "pressure on Israel to implement this."

On the issue of reforms in Lebanon, Rajji said that the Lebanese government is committed to implementing them and has the determination to achieve them.

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