Beirut seeks Arab assent to Israeli pullout plan

Lebanon is making a new bid to raise Arab support for its troop-withdrawal agreement with Israel. This is an effort to counter Syrian-led opposition to the accord.

State-run Beirut Radio reported that Foreign Minister Elie Salem would visit Saudi Arabia Saturday to discuss the stalled agreement. Lebanese officials have suggested that conservative Saudi Arabia may mediate between Lebanon and Syria over the issue.

Officials said Beirut might send envoys to other Arab countries. Most Arab states, clearly concerned that the accord violates Lebanon's Arab commitments, have withheld support. Informed sources said Lebanon was also considering sending a senior envoy to Moscow to reverse opposition to the agreement in the Soviet Union, which is closely linked to Syria.