BEIRUT, Lebanon, Aug. 23 (UPI) -- Despite the volatile situation in south Lebanon due to delays in deploying the U.N. force, Prime Minister Fouad Siniora expressed confidence in the future.
Speaking at a press conference in Beirut Wednesday, Siniora called on the Lebanese whose homes were damaged during the month-long war between Israel and Hezbollah to start repairs, promising full compensation from the government.
Siniora said he could not give guarantees about the non-resumption of hostilities, saying "no one can assume such guarantees as long as the international forces have not been deployed yet, but I can say that I can give some assurances."
The prime minister downplayed Israeli threats of waging another round of violence against Lebanon, which he said were related to the internal situation in Israel and mainly aimed at internal consumption.
Siniora expressed confidence that the international force that will beef up the United Nations' peacekeeping force in south Lebanon, UNIFIL, is about to be formed and will be deployed with the Lebanese army in the area stretching from the border to the Litani River, some 19 miles north of the Blue Line.
"Lebanon is going through a very sensitive phase, but each day we are making a step forward," he said.
Siniora did not specify whether the force will be deployed along the border with Syria, only saying that the Lebanese authorities "will ask for technical assistance," referring to the modern equipment needed for monitoring the border to curb smuggling.
Siniora said there was still no final estimate of material losses -- believed to exceed $10 billion -- sustained by Lebanon during the war.
"We welcome Arab and international assistance to help Lebanon's reconstruction, including the U.S. donation of $230 million announced by President George Bush," Siniora said, refuting reports that Lebanon might reject the U.S. assistance.
