Lebanon’s past experience with Syria is not encouraging
MP Mustafa Allouch of the Future bloc told LBC Television on Friday, “Some, who are as pessimistic as I, tend to believe that a Syrian embassy in Lebanon will be used as an intelligence agency.”
He did note however, that some people are optimistic over Syria and Lebanon exchanging ambassadors.
Lebanon should consider the move to establish formal diplomatic relations with Syria “an acceptable beginning,” adding, “and we hope that further steps will follow, even though our experience with the Syrian regime is not encouraging.”
Allouch said that the issue of Syrians who have disappeared in Lebanon emerged suddenly, and out of the blue.
“Damascus claims that 700 Syrians have disappeared in Lebanon,” he said, adding that they disappeared during the area of Syrian tutelage over Lebanon, “which is why this dossier is embarrassing.”
He said he feels the issue will not be properly addressed until an international investigation committee takes it on, “or until the Syrian regime changes its attitude.”
Allouch said that in essence, the Syrian regime is concerned with striking deals over Lebanon, noting that some information leads him to believe that the Syrian-Israeli talks are on hold awaiting a resolution with Lebanon.