ARAB-EUROPEAN RELATIONS - June 5 - Germany Offers To Take In Lebanese Refugees.

In a 2 day visit to Israel, German FM Joschka Fischer says Germany will take in 400 Lebanese refugees, including Israeli-allied militiamen, who fled their homes ahead of Israel's troop withdrawal from Lebanon. (Some 7,000 members of the South Lebanon Army militia and their families fled to Israel for fear of reprisals by Lebanese guerrillas who moved into south Lebanon after the Israeli army ended its occupation there. Israel has offered some of the displaced Lebanese citizenship but has been searching for countries willing to absorb others.) Israel media reports several countries, including the US, have offered to take some in. At a news conference on June 5, with Israeli FM Levy, Fischer is asked whether he could confirm reports that Germany would take in Lebanese refugees. He says: Yes, I confirm this. We are always willing to help friends", in reference to Israel. The FMs discussed the Mideast peace process, bilateral relations and Israel's acceptance into the Western European regional group of the UN. Fischer says Germany welcomes Israel into the UN group. Referring to stalled Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, Fischer says that "we should do all we can to bring this process to a positive outcome". He says that the "same courage" Israel displayed in withdrawing troops from Lebanon was required of all ME leaders to complete the peace process. Fischer meets with Israeli Pres. Weizman. He also holds talks with Palestinian leader Arafat and Israeli PM Barak.