Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem said on Thursday that Syria, accused by Western countries of obstructing efforts to solve Lebanese political impasse, is the first to be affected by the tense situations in neighboring Lebanon.
When addressing the preparatory meeting of Arab foreign ministers ahead of the 20th Arab Summit, Muallem said "Syria is the first to be affected by the tense situations in Lebanon, and will be the first to benefit from its stability" as Syria and Lebanon are linked by deep bonds and interests.
Syrians look forward to finding a solution to the Lebanese crisis based on reconciliation among all the Lebanese parties in away that maintains Lebanon's security and stability, he said, adding that "Our and Lebanon's interests require finding solution to the standing crisis."
Muallem said "we have always called for a consensus solution among the Lebanese themselves, and reiterated the need to help Lebanon reach that consensus on the rule of no winner no loser."
He also highlighted Syrian efforts alone are not enough, and "there should be common efforts by all the Arab parties which have friendships and influence in Lebanon, particularly the brothers in Saudi Arabia who have strong influence, not possessed by Syria, on the majority."
Syria wants a sovereign, independent and stable Lebanon, said the foreign minister, noting that "Whoever thinks that Syria wants other than this is very mistaken and in illusion."
Muallem also expressed appreciation over the Arab League (AL) Secretary General Amr Moussa's efforts to reach a reconciliatory solution on the basis of the Arab initiative.
Lebanon is currently embroiled in a power struggle between the pro-Western ruling majority and the Hezbollah-led opposition backed by Syria and Iran, facing the most serious political deadlock since the end of the 1975-1990 civil war.
For the first time in its history, the presidential seat has been vacant since Nov. 24 of 2007 when former President Emile Lahoud stepped down at the end of his term.
But efforts to hold a vote in parliament have foundered since last September, with 17 sessions aborted amid fierce disputes between rival Lebanese political groups, which are still at loggerheads over the buildup of the future government despite Arab efforts to resolve the crisis.
On Jan. 6, the 22-member AL endorsed a resolution in Cairo, calling for the immediate election of Army commander Michel Suleiman as president, formation of a national unity government and adoption of a new election law.
Source:Xinhua
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