Moussa”s Visit is to Test Arab, Syrian Commitments toward Presidential Elections

Arab League chief Amr Moussa”s visit to Beirut, which starts Wednesday, will be dedicated to test Arab commitment, particularly Syria, toward the “immediate” election of Gen. Michel Suleiman as Lebanon”s new president.

 

On the other hand, well-informed sources said Moussa”s mission was also to examine the awareness of the various Lebanese leaders of the dangers in the event that presidential elections continued to be hampered by “preconditions and details.”

 

The sources pointed out that there had been talks in Cairo about international support for the Arab League for its efforts in putting an end to the prolonged Lebanon crisis, particularity in light of its keenness to come about with a “balanced settlement” to the impasse.

 

They also pointed to the essential role Qatar played with Syria and Jordan with Iran, indicating that the Cairo meeting had set the stage for a “positive track” among the three main Arab countries – Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Syria.

 

Moussa”s return to Beirut, according to the sources, would be unlike previous trips since this time he is carrying with him an Arab plan that is “endorsed by the Arab foreign ministers, empowered by Syria and Iran, and favorable to Egypt and Saudi Arabia.”

 

The sources stressed that Moussa”s trip was also to give an explanation to implementation of the Arab plan, particularly the point that deals with formation of a national unity government.