Western Openness to Syria is “Diplomatic Tourism,” Will Not Lead to Change
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs David Welch on Saturday played down the issue of Western openness to Syria, describing it as "diplomatic tourism."
"Europe”s diplomatic openness to Syria …will not lead to a change," Welch said in an interview published in Arabic by the pan-Arab daily Al Hayat.
"There is a difference between diplomatic tourism and real change," he stressed.
Welch thought that Syria is seeking to "influence Lebanese internal affairs."
He said Washington, however, believes that Lebanon and Syria would always have close ties, but they (relations) should be normal."
Welch also assured Lebanon of continued U.S. backing, but insisted that the future of Lebanon "lies in the hands of the Lebanese more than anytime before."
"U.S.” support for a secure, sovereign and independent Lebanon is strong," he said, adding that there are "absolutely no signs" that the new U.S. administration would change its policy toward Lebanon.
Welch stressed that the U.S. allows "no compromises" regarding the international tribunal to try suspects in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.