Mouallem calls for a national-unity government in Lebanon without interference

Source: nowlebanon.com, 17-06-2008

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Mouallem said that Syria's regional policy remains the same, especially regarding Lebanon. "The course of events has proven that Syria's policy was right, especially concerning the situations in Lebanon, Iraq and Palestine," Mouallem said.

"Syria played an important role in the Doha Agreement, as we are for a secure, stable and Arab Lebanon," he said, adding that the election of President Michel Sleiman, who is known for his support of the Resistance, guarantees Lebanon's sovereignty, stability and independence.

"Syria is still supporting the establishment of a national-unity government in Lebanon, but is not interfering, for this is an internal matter," Mouallem said.

Mouallem noted that Syria agreed on conducting negotiations with ‘Israel' after the Turkish mediator told Damascus that ‘Israel' would withdraw from the Golan Heights in accordance with the Madrid Conference. "Syria is making the negotiations public," he said.

"Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad's Arab tour is aimed at achieving the objectives of the Damascus Summit on common Arab action and solidarity, as these two ideals are Arab safeguards against the plots directed at them," Mouallem said.

Mouallem also noted the rapprochement between France and Syria after France "became aware of Syria's rightful stance and its help in finding a solution to the Lebanese crisis."