Source: NowLebanon, 26-03-2008
Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Mouallem said that Lebanese government's decision to boycott the Arab Summit wasted a "golden opportunity to discuss the crisis and strengthen the Arab initiative," as well as to discuss Syrian-Lebanese relations.
The United States sought to disperse Arab ranks and to appropriate the region bit by bit, Mouallem added. After meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov earlier last week, Mouallem said the Damascus Summit displeased the United States because it would reinforce solidarity among Arab countries.
In a press conference in Damascus, the FM said that the Arab initiative was the property of all Arabs, and in no way exclusive to one entity, and had received blessing from the international community - excepting that of the United States and all Lebanese parties.
"Arab and international parties should encourage intra-Lebanese dialogue for a solution, in particular Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Syria above others, to contribute to the implementation of the Arab initiative."
The Syrian FM expressed his belief that the Lebanese bore primary responsibility as the solution to the current crisis in Lebanon "must be Lebanese," adding that Arab countries should encourage all concerned parties to renew dialogue to reach a win-win consensus.
On Monday, Arab League Secretary General urged Lebanon to attend the summit, as some Arab states threatened to boycott the Damascus-hosted event because of the Lebanese crisis.
Monday also brought about Saudi Arabia's announcement that it would send neither King Abdullah nor its foreign minister,but a low-ranking diplomat to the summit, reflecting its rift with Syria over the crisis in Lebanon.
The presidential electoral session which was set to be held on Monday was postponed for the 17th time, perpetuation the failure to elect a successor to Emile Lahoud, who exited Baabda in November. The next attempt was set for April 22.
Syria is set to host a meeting of Arab foreign ministers as part of the preparatory sessions scheduled prior to the summit, which will convene on March 29-30. Lebanon will attend neither meeting.