Lebanon model of "democracy, liberty and prosperity" - PM

11 September 2006

Tony Blair has held talks with Lebanese PM Fouad Sinoria on the third day of his trip to the Middle East.

He promised that the UK would play a full part in the reconstruction needed in Lebanon following the recent crisis.

The PM also re-iterated his desire for a "full implementation" of UN resolution 1701, and to see what he called a "re-energising" of the Israel-Palestine conflict.

• Read the press conference transcript

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Mr Blair said:

"I hope out of what has been a tragic and terrible time, we can rebuild in a way that gives not just lasting peace here in the Lebanon and lasting peace in the region, but where we see Lebanon once again for what it is and can be, which is a model for the whole of this region, of democracy, of liberty and of prosperity."

Mr Blair's trip also included visits to Israel and the Palestinian territories.

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