Cheney Tells Mouawad: International Tribunal is a Priority
Social Affairs Minister Nayla Mouawad on Thursday said the March 14 majority alliance would not get involved in dialogue aimed at exonerating Syria from blocking presidential elections.
Mouawad, on a visit to the United States, made the remark to reporters after meeting Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
In answering a question about her stand on Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri”s call for dialogue, Mouawad said: "We are ready for dialogue and for the declaration of intentions. But, certainly, we are not for dialogue that aims at hampering the election of a president and legalizing void by Lebanese tools in order to exonerate Syria and Iran."
Mouawad also held a meeting at the White House with Vice President Dick Cheney and quoted him as saying the International tribunal is a "priority for the international community."
"The rule of law in Lebanon cannot be established unless the criminals were brought to justice," Cheney was quoted as saying.
He was referring to the international tribunal that would try suspects in the 2005 assassination of ex-Premier Rafik Hariri.
Mouawad also quoted Cheney as saying there "would be no bargains at all on the international tribunal" issue.