US: No conflict between supporting Lebanon & dialogue with Syria
Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffery Feltman confirmed that there was no contradiction between supporting Lebanon and attempting to resolve problems with Syria through dialogue.
Feltman’s comments came as he and Daniel Shapiro, a senior policy adviser on the Middle East at the National Security Council, met with Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea in Maarab on Sunday.
Feltman said the US envoys informed Geagea about Washington’s views, its optimism about the upcoming parliamentary elections and the new Administration’s commitment to working hand in hand with the Lebanese to build strong institutions capable of protecting Lebanon.
Asked about his position on Britain’s decision to engage in greater openness with Hezbollah, Feltman replied, “Our position toward Hezbollah and our policy toward it has not changed and we do not distinguish between its military and political wings.”
In reference to the content of his meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Mouallem, Feltman said, “Talking to others is not a reward but is intended to find answers and solutions.”
Feltman also expressed Washington’s concern about Syria, in regard to Lebanon. “What we did yesterday was to give Syrians the chance to inform us about their views on their relationship with the American administration and what worries them, and we did the same,” he said.
Feltman reiterated that Lebanon belongs to the Lebanese and Lebanese decisions should be taken only by the Lebanese. “This is the principle of our policy toward Lebanon and we expect all the countries in the region and Lebanon’s neighbors to respect this decision,” he said.