Source: Daily Star, 27-03-2008
Meanwhile, Higher Shiite Council vice president Sheikh Abdel-Amir Qabalan voiced surprise over Lebanon's boycott of the Arab summit held in Damascus this weekend.
"The summit will succeed even if Lebanon boycotts it," Qabalan said. "Lebanon's non-participation will not harm the meeting; on the contrary, Lebanon needs to take part in the summit in order for it to talk openly to Syria and discuss ways to resolve the current Lebanese crisis."
The Lebanese government decided to boycott the Damascus summit on Tuesday without ruling out the possibility of sending a message that could be read there.
Qabalan urged Syria to invite Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to participate in the Arab summit meetings.
"Iran, Saudi Arabia and all Arab countries should take part in the summit and hold discussions over ways to settle Arab crises in Iraq, Palestine and Lebanon," Qabalan said. "We need to promote Arab solidarity to confront challenges and dangers threatening our country and people."
He also called on Lebanese to preserve their country "because it is a precious jewel."
"Politicians should also serve the people so we can protect our country and its border against 'Israel', Lebanon's sole enemy," he said.