BEIRUT: Spain’s Defense Minister Carme Chacon said Monday that the absence of war between Lebanon and Israel did not mean that peace prevailed between the two countries.

“The absence of war in Lebanon does not mean that there is peace,” she said, during a short visit to Lebanon. She added that reaching peace in the Middle East would be considered “a big achievement,” as it would create security in one of the world’s most unstable zones.

Lebanon has been in a state of “cessation of hostilities” with Israel since August 14, 2006, the end of Israel’s summer war against its northern neighbor, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

Also Monday, Lebanon received Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Boyko Borisov who kicked off a two-day official visit to the country.

A statement issued by the Spanish Embassy in Lebanon said that Chacon held separate talks with President Michel Sleiman, Prime Minister Saad Hariri and Defense Minister Elias Murr.

According to the statement, the Spanish official discussed with Lebanese officials the current political situation in Lebanon and the region.

“[Chacon] conveyed a message of unity and stability along with highlighting Spain’s commitment to stand by the Lebanese people and help them find solutions to various problems in their country,” it added.

The statement said Chacon had reiterated Spain’s commitment to participation in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The Spanish defense minister visited her country’s UNIFIL base in the southern town of Marjayoun where she was greeted by UNIFIL’s Commander, Spanish Major General Alberto Asarta.

Chacon also laid a wreath on the memorial of Spanish soldiers who have died in south Lebanon and conveyed to peacekeepers the best wishes of Spain’s King Juan Carlos for Christmas and New Year.

Resolution 1701 stipulates that the area situated to the south of the Litani River should see no armed presence except that of the UNIFIL and Lebanese army, and it boosted the number of UNIFIL troops in the country.

The Spanish Ambassador to Lebanon Juan Carlos Gafo accompanied Chacon in her meetings with Lebanese officials and during her tour in the south.

Separately, Borisov held talks with Hariri at the Grand Serail, during which the two leaders tackled the latest regional developments and the means to develop bilateral ties.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Hariri said the visit “comes after the visit I paid to Bulgaria earlier to enhance bilateral ties and cooperation between the two countries.”

“Bulgaria is open to the Arab world, and this visit is an opportunity to explain to the Bulgarian prime minister the course of the peace process in the Middle East and the intransigent Israeli position,” Hariri added.

Hariri received Borisov at the Grand Serail’s external courtyard. Foreign Minister Ali Shami, Minister of State Jean Ogassapian, Tourism Minister Fadi Abboud, Major General Adnan Merheb, the Higher Defense Council Secretary General, Beirut acting Governor Nassif Qaloush and a number of other officials and figures also greeted the guest.

Later, Borisov laid a wreath on former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri’s memorial in Downtown Beirut and toured the nearby Mohammed al-Amin Mosque and walked through Downtown’s Beirut Souks.

Earlier Monday, Borisov arrived at the Rafik Hariri International Airport where he was greeted by Hariri, Ogassapian and the Bulgarian Charge d’Affaires to Lebanon Plamen Berievski.

The Bulgarian Prime Minister is accompanied by an official delegation and a number of Bulgarian businessmen.

Besides Hariri, Borisov is scheduled to hold talks with other senior Lebanese officials.