Monday June 8, 1998 SBS, a multicultural Australian television, conducted an interview with H. E. General M. Aoun and was broadcasted locally and internationally. In the interview General Aoun was asked about his thoughts about the Middle East peace talks and about the situation in Lebanon. His Excellency stressed the point that peace in the Middle East is impossible without achieving a true peace in Lebanon. This peace has to be under the supervision of the United Nations, in which human rights are respected and protected. When asked about the solution for the impediment that stands in the road of peace, his Excellency suggested that an international conference should be held to discuss the Lebanese situation in depth, rather than leaving Lebanon out of the peace talks. Later, H. E. General Aoun stated that he has plans to make a visit to Canada and Brazil in the near future; and possibly the United States if conditions permit. As H. E. General M. Aoun entered Paramatta Stadium, Sydney, Australia, the 5,000 greeters were there to greet him praising him and Lebanon. Federal and local members of parliament were there to greet him, and the members of the press individually greeted him. Due to the overwhelming number of supporters that assembled in the stadium, General Aoun and his wife were deeply moved. They expressed their joy at that sight, which brought back memories of the huge gatherings that took place at the "House of the People" in Baabda. Ross Cameron, Head of the Australian Friendship Committee with Lebanon in the federal parliament, greeted H. E. General Aoun and said that he is not a Christian leader, but a leader for all the Lebanese people that care about the sovereignty and independence of Lebanon. He indicated that Australians would do their best to help Lebanon regain its freedom. His Excellency General M. Aoun concluded the celebrations today with a few words, in which he expressed his thanks to the host country, both government and opposition. He told the Lebanese people attending the rally: You should show the Australian government a beautiful picture of Lebanon and its freedom loving people. Most importantly you should not be anything less than a proud Lebanese, because this how you help your Lebanon. Pierre Raffoul added: Many thanks go out to the Australian government for allowing this celebration to occur. This shows that this government respects its people, their views, and their requests. I am a witness that Australia is a country of liberty, democracy, and justice. Addressing H. E. General Aoun, Mr. Raffoul said: As far as we are from you, you are always in our thoughts, and through you we will achieve our ultimate goal, a free Lebanon. COPYRIGHT FREE LEBANON 1998. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED