Annan Announces Israeli Withdrawal from Lebanon

U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan Friday announced the Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon in full compliance with relevant Security Council resolution.

Annan told a press conference that "I am delighted to tell you that the United Nations force in Lebanon has reported to me that Israel has withdrawn from the country in full compliance with Security Council Resolution 425."

Annan started the press conference, previously scheduled for 10:45 EST and held some two hours later, after he conveyed this information to the Security Council.

"The people of Lebanon have waited more than 22 years for this moment," he said.

"This is a happy day for Lebanon, but also for Israel," he said. "It is a day of hope for the Middle East as a whole, and it is a day of pride for the United Nations."

"It shows that U.N. resolutions, when fully implemented by all parties working together, can be the building blocks of peace," he said.

"Lebanon is now closer to peace than it has been in decades," he said.

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