Nicosia - The international community yesterday gave a broad welcome to Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon, but while western leaders stressed the need for maximum restraint, many Arab voices hoped Israel would now withdraw from all Arab land it occupies.
In Moscow a foreign ministry official described the withdrawal as an important step, but warned that fresh tensions would "run counter to the interests of the peoples of the region and would jeopardise the Middle East peace process".
The European Commission in Brussels likewise welcomed the withdrawal and urged "general restraint" by all sides.
A Commission statement called on the Lebanese authorities to co-operate with UNIFIL to help it take up its responsibilities throughout southern Lebanon.
The Palestinian President, Mr Yasser Arafat, said his people were "proud today that every centimetre of this [Lebanese] land is now liberated".
Asked if the move would help the faltering peace process with Israel, he said: "I hope so."
The Iranian President, Mr Mohammad Khatami, praised "the grandeur and unsparing efforts of the resistance forces, as well as the government and people of Lebanon".
However, he warned that no one should be optimistic about Israeli intentions, saying "future developments should be watched carefully and vigilantly".