Egyptian envoy says tribunal results must be respected
Egyptian Ambassador Ahmad Beddawi said in comments published on Friday that the Special Tribunal for Lebanon was a legal process in the hands of the international community, and emphasized the importance of all countries respecting the tribunal”s results.
Beddawi told Al-Mustaqbal newspaper that there was no connection between the launching of the tribunal and inter-Arab reconciliation. Beddawi said that Lebanon”s national dialogue would not end in a few sessions because the issues under discussion were important. He said he believed the Lebanese were capable of resolving their own disputes, but that the support of Arab countries, such as that of Qatar with reaching the Doha agreement, was still required.
"President Michel Sleiman”s role as the one who presides over the national dialogue was crucial for resolving its difficulties, as he helps ensure security and stability in Lebanon," Beddawi said. This would have positive repercussions on the region, the ambassador added. Beddawi said Lebanon was capable of carrying an important role in solving inter-Arab disagreements, and confirmed Egypt was keeping contacts with all Lebanese parties. He said Egypt would consider partaking in the supervision of Lebanon”s upcoming parliamentary elections if Lebanon requested his country”s assistance.