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11/09/2006
Blair defies protests to meet with Lebanese Prime Minister
Prime Minister Tony Blair has arrived in Beirut amid tight security to meet with Lebanese PM, Fouad Siniora, to find ways of resolving the current crisis in the region.
Mr Blair is the first British Prime Minister to visit Lebanon, but his decision to travel to the country has attracted criticism from key Muslim clerics within Lebanon, who have denounced the Prime Minister for what they describe as his 'pro-Israeli' stance during the recent five-week conflict.
Grand Ayatollah Mohammed Hussein Fadlallah called on the Lebanese government to shun Mr Blair, while hundreds of protesters gathered in Beirut to protest against the visit.
Mr Blair travelled to Lebanon at the invitation of Mr Siniora, following a visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories, and was due to meet with various members of the Lebanese parliament to discuss ways of supporting the government. However, several key figures with close links to Hezbollah declined to join in the talks.
(CL)
Mr Blair is the first British Prime Minister to visit Lebanon, but his decision to travel to the country has attracted criticism from key Muslim clerics within Lebanon, who have denounced the Prime Minister for what they describe as his 'pro-Israeli' stance during the recent five-week conflict.
Grand Ayatollah Mohammed Hussein Fadlallah called on the Lebanese government to shun Mr Blair, while hundreds of protesters gathered in Beirut to protest against the visit.
Mr Blair travelled to Lebanon at the invitation of Mr Siniora, following a visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories, and was due to meet with various members of the Lebanese parliament to discuss ways of supporting the government. However, several key figures with close links to Hezbollah declined to join in the talks.
(CL)
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Release Of Bush Blair Memos Vetoed
The public disclosure of a number of secret memos between former Prime Minister Blair and ex US President Bush, sent during the run up to the Iraq invasion, has been blocked. The potentially politically volatile memos were determined to be made public as part of the ongoing Chilcot Inquiry into the war by the inquiry chairman, Sir John Chilcot.
Release Of Bush Blair Memos Vetoed
The public disclosure of a number of secret memos between former Prime Minister Blair and ex US President Bush, sent during the run up to the Iraq invasion, has been blocked. The potentially politically volatile memos were determined to be made public as part of the ongoing Chilcot Inquiry into the war by the inquiry chairman, Sir John Chilcot.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
