Syria Reportedly Sets New Conditions for Approval of Arab Initiative

Fears that the Lebanese crisis could lead to armed conflict and deterioration in economic conditions increased as Syria reportedly set new conditions for approval of an Arab initiative to end the ongoing political stalemate.

The daily Al Liwaa, citing Arab diplomatic sources in Cairo, said Monday that Arab League chief Amr Moussa sensed a “hardening” of Syria”s positions toward the crisis.

 

The sources said Moussa, who stressed that the Arab League will continue its efforts to help bring an end to the Lebanese impasse, returned to Cairo from Damascus with an “unsatisfactory impression.”

 

They said high-ranking Syrian officials have informed Moussa that the Arab initiative could be implemented following approval of three suggestions:

 

1- Formation of a neutral, transitional government.

2- Agreement on the 1960 electoral law.

3- Agreement on a consensus president.

 

Moussa said following a meeting with Morocco”s foreign minister that repercussion of the Lebanese crisis has spread to the entire Arab region and has negatively affected inter-Arab relations.