The following is what was said during the press conference

Moussa ( pictured right) : We discussed the matter at length, and there was general consensus on the need to bring Lebanon out of its crisis in light of the dangers to the country and the region.

Moussa: We decided to form a committee delegated with searching for a solution to the Lebanese crisis.

Moussa: The committee has invited leaders in the Lebanese opposition and government to attend the Arab ministerial meeting, headed by Qatar, which is to convene soon but not necessarily on Monday.

Moussa: The dialogue is still an option, and its implementation is still in demand... Perhaps this can be an entry to calming the current situation. Political movements may aid in facilitating this dialogue.

Moussa: The Arab initiative still stands, from the election of a president to the national-unity government etc. After the recent events, we would like to resume dialogue among Lebanese parties.

Youssef Mahmoud: We call on our committee to move rapidly for a solution... In its first visit to Lebanon, the committee will formulate ideas... And the second stage may be a Lebanese dialogue in another country, perhaps Qatar.

Moussa: We are open to discussion, but the initiative is the basis of political work for a solution to the Lebanese crisis.

Moussa: The door is open to any additional steps (to the Arab intiative), but regarding this committee, we intend to fortify the Lebanese army in its current form at this point. We will offer logistic support as it is needed.

Mahmoud: Recurrent crises [in Lebanon, Palestine, Sudan, and others] have put the whole region at stake... Arab countries are targeted and resistance can only come through real unity.

Moussa: The use of arms and resort to violence is rejected by the Arab FM statement, and hence we confirm the need to withdraw all arms from the streets of Lebanon. We welcome the Army Command statement on the head of airport security and [Hezbollah] network, and welcome the government's cooperation with the statement.

Moussa: The [Arab FM] statement confirms the Arab initiative, and subsequent dialogue, and the formation of a special council for Lebanon.

Moussa: International efforts must be consistent with Arab League efforts. I will contact the UN Secretary General and coordinate with him. There is constant cooperation between the Arab League and the permanent member states of the Security Council.

Moussa: The council's refusal of armed violence to achieve political ends is a firm principle of the Arab League. We did not mean to send certain messages to certain parties. We want to save Lebanon.

Moussa: The crisis could have deep political repercussions. Hence, the Arab League's decision to save Lebanon does not serve the interests of any one party.

Moussa: The request to withdraw all arms from the streets is not ours; the Lebanese Army Command made the same request in its statement yesterday.

Moussa: The Arab FM council does not include international parties, but communicates with international parties.

Moussa: The Arab FM council issued a statement inviting leaders of the government and opposition - including Speaker Nabih Berri, Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, General Michel Aoun and others.

Moussa: There is one consensus candidate for presidency, and that is [Army Commander] General Michel Suleiman, as there is Lebanese agreement around him... the sooner the better.

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