Siniora says ties with Syria must hinge on respect for sovereignty
Prime Minister Fouad Siniora said on Thursday that relations between Lebanon and Syria should be based on mutual respect for the sovereignty of both countries, especially in the wake of the decision to establish diplomatic relations. President Michel Sleiman had said Wednesday that Beirut and Damascus would exchange ambassadors by the end of 2008.
Speaking during an iftar banquet at the Grand Serail, Siniora said that the Lebanese government was making every effort to find solutions for the issues of Lebanese detainees in Syrian prisons, border demarcation between the two countries, and the status of the Israeli-occupied Shebaa Farms.
The iftar was attended by Future Movement leader MP Saad Hariri and a number of political and religious figures.
Siniora told his guests that "dialogue and reconciliation should be the only way to solve our problems."
The premier said that Lebanon was still facing many challenges, but maintained that the formation of a national unity government had helped move the country in the right direction. He added that the recently launched national dialogue had reduced tensions caused by security incidents. "Dialogue and peaceful coexistence between the Lebanese are the only way to strengthen Lebanon”s ability to defend itself against foreign attempts to create divisions in the country," he said.
The premier also warned against all forms of political incitement through the media. "Incitement only serves the purpose of destroying dialogue and obstructing reconciliation."
Siniora also thanked Arab countries for "extending their hand to Lebanon and helping to bring peace to the country."
The first session of the dialogue was chaired by Sleiman and brought together 14 leaders to discuss several issues, principally Hizbullah”s arms and the formulation of a defense strategy for Lebanon.
The next dialogue session has been set for November 5.
Also on Thursday, the Russian Foreign Ministry welcomed Lebanon”s national dialogue, describing it as an important step toward implementing the agreements reached at Doha last May.
The Russian ministry added that all concerned parties in Lebanon should make compromises in order to reach common ground on controversial issues in the country.
It also said that national dialogue was the only way to protect Lebanon”s independence and sovereignty.