BEIRUT/ISTANBUL, Sept 4: Pakistan and Lebanon have demanded of the international community to take serious steps for restoration of peace in the Middle East. The demand was made at a meeting between Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and his Lebanese counterpart Fouad Siniora in Beirut on Monday.

Mr Siniora thanked Mr Aziz for being in constant contact with him during the Israeli aggression against Lebanon.

Mr Aziz emphasised the need for full implementation of the UN resolution on Lebanon and called for immediate lifting of Israeli blockade of Lebanon.

Earlier, Prime Minister Aziz arrived in Beirut on Monday on the last leg of his four-nation visit.

He met Lebanese President Emile Lahoud and Speaker Saad Al Hariri and visited war-affected areas. He described as tragic the devastation caused by the Israeli aggression in Lebanon.

“Pakistan wants peace in Lebanon and will extend full cooperation in the rehabilitation efforts. I want to see UN resolution is implemented in letter and spirit,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, talking to newsmen in Turkish capital Istanbul before his departure for Beirut on the last leg of his four-nation visit, Prime Minister Aziz said Pakistan would continue to play its role for ensuring peace in Lebanon.

Before landing in Istanbul, he had visited Norway and London.

He emphasised that losses in Lebanon as a result of the Israeli attacks should be compensated.

To a question about sending Pakistani troops to Lebanon as part of the UN peacekeeping force, he said Pakistan had not taken any decision in this regard and he would discuss the issue with his Lebanese counterpart.

On the visit of President Mehmet Ali Talat of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to Pakistan, Mr Aziz said Pakistan had always supported Turkish point of view on the Cyprus issue and would continue to extend its moral and diplomatic support to Turkey. President Mehmet Ali Talat is to arrive in Pakistan on Monday for a two-day visit.

Earlier, addressing inauguration ceremony of Youth Forum in Istanbul, the prime minister urged the international community, major powers in particular, to address the root-cause of terrorism in the world.