Muallem: Syria Does Not Make compromises in Its Relation with the Resistance

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Al Muallem said that Syria's goals in Lebanon are clear and they do not exceed wanting to reach calm and stability, assuring that the Syrian-Saudi efforts are ongoing with all Lebanese sides as "stability in this country matters to everyone".

Al Muallem pointed out that Syria enjoys a good relation not only with Hizbullah but also with Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, expressing his country's commitment to the outcome of the Syrian-Saudi-Lebanese summit.

The Syrian FM said that Damascus is not concerned with the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, but noted "Whoever is interested in Lebanon's stability should work on preventing the tribunal's politicization."

He warned that current domestic situation in Lebanon is worrying, stressing coordination between Syria and Saudi Arabia over the situation in Lebanon.

Al Muallem added "Our warning comes as we feel that politicizing the indictment and leaking information to media before it is even issued indicates it is being used as a political tool."

Addressing U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton's remarks to Syria not to harm Lebanon's stability through its ties with Hizbullah, the Syrian official said: "I told Mrs. Clinton that as long as there is an occupation, the US should acknowledge the legitimacy of the resistance, and Hizbullah is a lebanese resistance movement," adding "We do not make compromises in our relations with any resistant movements or any state."

In parallel, Al Muallem assured that the US-"Israeli" deal of fighter jets is a serious issue that affects stability in the Middle East region. The US signed a contract with "Israel" to sell it 20 radar-evading Lockheed Martin Corp F-35 fighter jets, a deal worth the $2.75 billion.

Muallem feared this deal might be the price the US paid so that "Israel" would extend its suspension two more months. Settlement freeze, according to Muallem has become a matter of threat to Arab security and is no longer an issue of moratorium extension.