Out-going Lebanese Ambassador thanks Ghana

Accra, July 13, GNA - Mr. Jad El-Hassan, the out-going Lebanese Ambassador, on Friday expressed his country's appreciation to Ghana for its contribution towards international efforts at restoring peace and security to Lebanon.

Ghana has peacekeeping troops serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

"Allow me to thank Ghana for its support on the international front and peacekeepers in Lebanon", he said, when he called on President John Agyekum Kufuor at the Castle, Osu, to bid him farewell. He has ended his duty tour of the country and is leaving for Prague to take up another assignment. Mr El-Hassan, who lauded Ghana for its good governance, accountability and respect for the rule of law, said he was also happy about the hospitality and good treatment extended to the Lebanese Community in the country.

Lebanon would always be a friend to Ghana, he added. President Kufuor said the two countries had related well for a long time and that Ghana was naturally concerned about the political situation of Lebanon.

He said Ghanaian troops taking part in the UN peacekeeping operation in that country were there to help bring peace and normalcy. President Kufuor said despite all the challenges, Ghana wanted to strengthen it its relations with Lebanon. He praised Mr El-Hassan for carrying himself well during his stay and assured him that the friendship would continue as long as the Lebanese Community in Ghana lived within the laws of the country.